During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to address lead exposure in communities near Superfund sites. A key point raised was the absence of a current process for blood lead testing, reminiscent of initiatives from the early 1990s. Officials acknowledged the need for collaboration with county health departments to facilitate testing, including the provision of blood lead testing machines and necessary resources.

The conversation highlighted the importance of identifying lead sources, with one participant sharing personal experiences related to high lead levels in children. Notably, concerns were raised about unexpected sources of lead, such as certain food products, including specific Mexican candies and margarita rim toppings, which have been found to contain elevated lead levels.

The meeting underscored the urgency of establishing effective testing and support systems to mitigate lead exposure risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Ongoing discussions aim to enhance community health resources and ensure that families have access to necessary testing and support.