Lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among children, but about a half-million children - including dozens in Idaho - have dangerous levels of lead in their blood.

This is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is reminding parents about the importance of testing children and homes for lead.

Lead poisoning is a serious health issue for children because it can lead to learning disabilities, lowered IQ, hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, speech delay and hearing impairment.

Deteriorating lead-based paints and hobbies such as reloading and making bullets are some of the most common ways for lead to get into the body. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978. In Idaho, 62 percent of homes were built before 1978 and could have lead-based paint. The older the home, the more likely it is to have lead-based paint.

If you live in an older home with peeling or chipping paint, have recently remodeled an older home, live near or recreate near a lead smelter or mine site, or suspect exposure to other sources of lead (including in toys, pottery, lead sinkers, reloading bullets), talk to your doctor about a simple blood lead test for your child.

Children younger than 6 are at the highest risk for lead poisoning. It is best to test them when they are 1 or 2 years old. Idaho's Medicaid program and most health insurance plans cover lead testing.

Families who live in homes built before 1978 also should consider the following:

* Test for lead paint before you do any work which would disturb the paint in or on your home. Inexpensive test kits can be bought at most hardware stores or online.

* Hire remodelers and/or painters who are EPA-certified for lead-safe work.

* Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces, and frequently wash a child's hands, pacifiers and toys to minimize exposure to lead.

* Keep children from chewing on window sills or other painted surfaces.

* Clean up paint chips immediately both inside and outside the house.

* Ensure your children have a diet high in iron and calcium. Diets high in iron and calcium help prevent children's bodies from absorbing lead.

For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD or visit www.epa.gov/lead.