HB756

I support this bill as a registered nurse and pediatric nursing instructor.

Good morning, I am writing in support of HB 756-FN relative to establishing a blood lead level testing requirement for children entering daycare and public schools. Initiatives such as this are crucial to the early identification of lead toxicity in children. Through early detection we can take steps to mitigate risk within the household and be alert for potential health complications. Thank you for your consideration.

This bill would protect our children from lead poisoning and screen them routinely which needs to happen, especially for those who slip through the cracks for normal blood testing.

Dear Chairman MacDonald and members of the Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee: My name is Dr. Maria Boylan and I’m a family practice physician who cares for hundreds of children, and I’m writing in support of HB756, requiring lead testing for children entering daycare or public school. Testing for lead in children is crucial because lead poisoning can have serious and long-lasting effects on the health and development of children. Even low levels of lead exposure can be harmful, especially to young children whose brains and nervous systems are still developing. Here's why it's so important: Neurological damage: Lead exposure can affect a child's brain, leading to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and lower IQ. In severe cases, it can cause permanent brain damage. Behavioral issues: Lead poisoning is linked to increased risk of ADHD, impulsive behavior, aggression, and other behavioral problems. Physical health risks: Chronic exposure to lead can lead to anemia, kidney damage, and hearing loss, among other physical health issues. No clear symptoms: Lead poisoning doesn't always have obvious signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. A child can have elevated blood lead levels without showing immediate signs, which is why testing is the only way to confirm exposure. Risk from common sources: Lead can be found in older homes (particularly those with lead-based paint), contaminated water, soil, toys, and even some imported goods. Children, especially those under 6, are more likely to ingest lead through hand-to-mouth behaviors (e.g., putting toys or objects in their mouths). *Over 32,000 children in the state of NH live in housing with lead paint. Preventable harm: Testing and identifying lead exposure early allows for intervention and removal of the source, reducing the risk of long-term damage. The state of NH currently dictates that we screen children at 1 and 2 years old for lead toxicity. However, due to the covid pandemic, our rates have drastically decreased over the past several years. And while we have it in statute that children need to be screened, there’s no way to enforce it or track it. Over the past two years I’ve been in charge of a multi-disciplinary group at Elliot Hospital aimed to improve lead screening rates for 1 & 2 year old children. We have successfully increased lead screening from 65% to 90% in 1 year olds and 60% to 85% in 2 year olds across our hospital system. As of 2023, the state of NH has screened 76% of 1 year olds and 69% of 2 year olds. Out of those children screened, 1,142 children had elevated blood levels high enough to impair their ability to think, learn, and concentrate. The more children we screen, the more we are identifying children who have lead poisoning and therefore getting them the treatment and help they need to avoid ongoing exposure. HB756 would require children to have at least 1 lead test before the age of 6 in order to enter school, which could help improve overall screening rates significantly in the state. It will help ensure that no child begins their education already struggling with the hidden effects of lead poisoning. It is a simple, cost-effective, and necessary step that we can take to ensure a healthier and brighter future for all our children. Please vote Ought to Pass on HB756. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Dr. Maria Boylan, DO Board Certified Family Physician

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this bill. I recognize that this is a practical step in catching children that were missed in the State's Mandatory Lead Testing at 12 and 24 months which I wholeheartedly support. Since physical exams are already required for entry into public school including a blood lead level screening at the time of the required health exam would cause little inconvenience to families and while we are a state with significant housing stock built before 1978 taking the opportunity to test again would help to identify children that were missed in the infant screenings. it would save time and resources to offer this 3rd universal screening. Early detection and intervention is the best means to prevent serious and potentially irreversible health consequences for children. If the state is unwilling to prioritize the proactive remediation of lead in the environment that least we should do is to ensure early detection and intervention.

Lead poisoning may be lower than it was in the 1970s, but it's still with us.

we still do not have this?

The health of children should always be a priority for any decent human being. Are you decent?

No one can live on $7.25 an hour even if they work two jobs. We need to ensure people are paid a living wage.

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