religous exemption/lead screening/MA preschool question

[chelsmm]

I'm thinking of sending dd to preschool next year, and I have 2 concerns. First, she is completely unvaccinated. I think we are ok because MA has a religous exemption. I'm not sure if all preschools have to accept this though. Second, a yearly lead test is required for school in MA. Will a religous exemption get us out of this? There's no way I'll let anyone take blood from my dd just to get in to school. So, does anyone know if my religous exemption letter will cover us for the lead screen too? If so, do you have any links?

Thanks,

[Gitti]

Yes, it is in the same exemption.

Here - http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/massachusetts.htm

AFFIDAVIT

I/We, _________________________, Sui Juris, Free, Natural Flesh and Blood Human Being(s), state Citizen(s) of the Massachusetts Republic affirm: Be it known to all courts, governments, and other parties that:

Being (a person/people) of Strong Christian Morals, it is against (my/our) Deep, Sincerely Held, Religious Convictions to accept the injection of any foreign substance into (my Body/our Bodies) or the Body of (my/our) Child.

This includes, but is not limited to, any and all, Vaccinations, Shots, Tests for Diseases, Oral Vaccines, Epidermal Patches and in any other way that Live or Killed Bacterium, Viruses, Pathogens, Germs, or any other Microorganisms, may be introduced into or upon (my/our) newborn's body.

[spero]

If the preschool receives ANY state and/or federal funding, they are bound by law to accept vaccine exemptions.

This includes, but is not limited to, any and all, Vaccinations, Shots, Tests for Diseases, Oral Vaccines, Epidermal Patches and in any other way that Live or Killed Bacterium, Viruses, Pathogens, Germs, or any other Microorganisms, may be introduced into or upon (my/our) newborn's body.

I'm not sure lead testing falls under this, since it is a blood test and nothing foreign is introduced into the body.

Personally, I think lead screening is important ... even if you think your child can't possibly have come into contact with lead sources. Chewing on a lamp cord can expose a kid to lead. My cousin's little girl had severe lead poisoning and it caused developmental problems. Lead is nothing to fool around with IMO.

[sprouthead]

from what I've been reading, there is a pretty high risk of high lead levels in MA due to all of the older housing- and of course it's in the soil from that even if you live in newer or remodeled housing.. so, i think they're just trying to make sure that they detect all cases early on..

[Gitti]

Originally Posted by spero

Personally, I think lead screening is important ... even if you think your child can't possibly have come into contact with lead sources. Chewing on a lamp cord can expose a kid to lead. My cousin's little girl had severe lead poisoning and it caused developmental problems. Lead is nothing to fool around with IMO.

The question is what do you do if you find out your child does have an overdose of lead in the body?

I would think you would remove everything that is the possible cause.

Wouldn't you do that to begin with?

What else can they do?

[spero]

Treatment for lead poisoning consists of removing the suspected source (usually contaminated paint or dirt), then using supplements if necessary to gain optimal nutrition. If dietary changes don't work, chelation therapy is sometimes used.

Even is it's just a matter of removing the source, isn't it important to know that your child has been exposed/is being exposed to lead, and getting rid of the source of that lead exposure? After seeing all that my cousin went through with her daughter, I think it is.

Some years ago, there was a local family whose children were actually removed from their home by CPS, because their home was found to be so contaminated with lead and the children showed signs of poisoning.

[chelsmm]

My kids are low risk for lead. We live in a new house. We don't wear shoes in the house. They don't play at any old houses or buildings. They don't chew on stuff. My daughter is 3. She was tested when she was 2. I don't see the need to test her every year, like the state wants. I think it's important for some people. Not for low risk kids though. I see why the state wants it done, but it doesn't make sense for my kids who are low risk.

[spero]

Originally Posted by chelsmm

She was tested when she was 2. I don't see the need to test her every year, like the state wants.

That certainly makes sense. I'm not saying that it SHOULD be mandatory, I just don't know if a blood test falls under the exemption statute. Hopefully someone from MA can pop in and clarify.

[rahans]

I'm in Mass, DD started preschool this year. They did not require a lead testing report - just med & vax records. I have a copy of what was submitted and it says nothing about lead testing (even tho she did have it done at age 2). Maybe post on the tribal forum? I was not aware of it being a requirement here but I could be wrong....

[chelsmm]

Thanks everyone.
Problem solved, at least for now.

We're keeping her home! :

[AugustLia23]

We had no problem using a religious exemption when start our boys in preschool in Boston, MA. We did write out an exemption letter, but only stated that vaccinating(ALL vaccines) is against our true and sincere religious beliefs. We also included the law that protects our rights to be exempt from vaccinations. Never did we insert the term christian(as we don't consider ourselves christian). You do NOT have to specify what your religion is(and you shouldn't), and they CANNOT ask. They gave us no problems.

As far a lead, our kids were only tested once at 9 months then again before 2 years. I was never told that it was required every year. Also know that old playgrounds may be at risk of having high levels of lead as well as old buildings.

[spero]

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/111-193.htm

Chapter 111: Section 193. Early identification program; examination and reports

Section 193. The director shall establish a program for early identification of cases of lead poisoning. Such program shall systematically screen all children under six years of age for the presence of lead poisoning. The director shall, after consultation with recognized professional medical groups and such other sources as he deems appropriate, promulgate regulations establishing (1) the means by which and the intervals at which children under six years of age shall be screened for lead poisoning

When the director is informed of a case of lead poisoning pursuant to section one hundred and ninety-one, or otherwise, he shall cause to have screened all other children under six years of age, and such other children as he may find advisable to screen, residing or recently residing in the household of the victim, unless the parents of such child object to said screening because it conflicts with their religious beliefs and practices.