Health officials are planning a public information session in Salina later this month in response to the discovery that 30 children in Saline County have elevated levels of lead in their blood.
Saline County Health Department Director Jason Tiller says the problem surfaced after several families had their children tested for lead. Anyone with more than five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood is considered at risk.
According to the CDC, there is no safe level of lead in the blood of children. Even at low levels, it affects IQ, academic performance, and attention. The CDC says there are often no obvious symptoms, and no way to correct lead's effects.
No patterns have been discovered so far among the 30 children. Lead paint in older homes is the most common source of exposure, but there are many others.
KDHE will hold a public meeting at the Salina Community Theater June 21st to explain their investigation, and address questions and concerns from the public.