How can my son be tested for lead poisoning? He has all of the behavioral symptoms. Or is it just his age?

Are these "symptoms" that of a normal 3 year old or should I have my son tested for lead poisoning? I am aware of all of the recalls and he has not had any of the toys but that doesn't mean he has never been exposed to it else where. I doubt he has even been around lead so much to call it "chronic" These "symptoms" may be the regular actions of a 3 year old....right?
Here is what I found of the behavioral problems:

Chronic exposure to lead may also cause behavioral problems in these children.

Behavioral symptoms in children
Irritability or aggressiveness
Hyperactivity, being easily distracted, impulsiveness
Learning difficulties
Lethargy or less interest in play
Loss of appetite

I should actually mention that he is extremely smart. He just doesn't sit still long enough to read a book or play learning games. He is like a giant sponge and will remember just about anything you say or show him though. So I can make out that symptom.

If you're really worried about it just go to your primay care doc and get them to run a lead level and blood test on your kid. It's the easiest way to calm your nerves. Alternatively he may just be acting like a 3 year old.

I've attached an article if you'd like to know more. I hope this helps.

they are the normal behavour of a three year old. this behavour will going for another 2 years.

Yes blood lead levels can be checked. If elevated lawsuit. If not elevated, beat his little ***. :)

Ask your pediatrician or your own family doctor to run the blood test for lead levels. If they won't do it find an environmental medicine doctor who will. I hope that is not the problem but I understand your concern.

Although I would say he sounds like a typically three year old, if your worried he may have lead poisoning you can go to his pediatrician and have them take blood work on him. I live in Ohio and they did a lead test on my son when he was little around 1 I believe. It is standard testing in my state they gave me the answer with in 15min. all they did was prick his finger. Not necessarily painless but it beats waiting days or weeks for the results. Best of luck to you and I hope it all turns out well!

Sounds like my grandson, same age. I find that if I am one on one with him and have a good activity he behaves perfectly. He is like a little Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde.

I wouldn't worry about the lead angle too much, heck when I was 3 they still had solid lead water pipes and lead as an additive in gasoline. A friend of mine living in Mo. showed me lead all over the place down there. In the brooks or creeks as they call them. People often pick up pieces until they have 100 lbs or so then sell it for scrap.

Normal 3 year old boy...... When my 9 year old was that age, I left the room for a moment once and came right back and he had managed to navigate his way to the top of the fridge! Still don't know how he pulled that one off. My two and three year old made a "mud pie" on my silver platter that they snuck out into the yard today. Ahhh, toddlers :)

It doesn't sound as if your son has had lead exposure but take him to his pediatrician and explain your concerns. His doctor may order lead testing just to shut you up, I mean, to give you peace of mind. There are other causes for these behaviors besides lead poisoning.

oh, there are plenty of issues or problems with these side effects...including but not limited to:

age
maturity
irritable bowel syndrome (often misdiagnosed as adhd)
learned behaviour (often misdiagnosed as adhd)
any type of virus known to pass the blood brain barrier (hcv, hiv, flu, mono (chronic or one time), yellow and dengue and a host of others)
vaccine injury
birth injury
environmental injury (including amaglam, lead poisoning or mercury) this also includes household exposure to chemicals, ie, breathing or ingesting thereof: room sprays, window cleaners, bleach, amonia, talc powder, mold ect.

It's rather difficult to know the exact cause. Ruling out all possible issues is the key. Most parents find that once guided towards the correct possibility (most often sent for counceling to learn how to become a more constructive parent) usually is key. I am not suggesting you are a bad parent, but every parent overlooks what they could be doing to help the child and instead of helping, even if you view it as positive (ie, no time out for tantrums ect, no spanking ect), the child is not learning how to deal with consiquences.
regardless, i'm sure thats not the issue. he just may be one of those kids who enjoys a variety of things.

Chances are he is just acting like a typical 3 year old. A word of advice if he does get a little irritable by throwing himself on the floor, kicking ect....just do the same exact thing-no matter where you are and he will look at you like your NUTS and is most likely not to do that again! :o)

He sounds very bright. He's just not old enough to sit long enough.....that comes with time. He's only 3. Give it another year to a year and a half. At that time you can begin "timing" him. It's never to late to start.

make an appointment with the pediatrician.

Call your pediatrician's office and ask for a lead level screening.

It's just a blood test, With all the recall notices in the news, most peditricians have been getting a lot of these calls. Chances are good that they've set up a quick and easy way to handle them.