Miami-Dade Park Contaminated By Lead

Miami-Dade County has closed Olinda Park at 5100 Northwest 21st Avenue in Miami, after finding the park's soil highly contaminated with lead.

Health officials recommend children under the age of six who've visited Olinda Park get tested for lead poisoning. 

Experts say kids under six are at higher risk for lead poisoning, because they tend to put their hands or objects into their mouths, they absorb a greater amount of lead and their developing bodies are more vulnerable to lead's effects.

Lead poisoning usually only causes symptoms after long periods of exposure and very high blood levels. When levels are that severe symptoms include: stomachaches, cramping or diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, persistent fatigue, headaches and muscle weakness.

Also, kids with chronic low levels of lead in their blood who show no symptoms may have learning disabilities and be smaller than other kids their age.

To get your child tested for lead take them to the Jessie Trice Community Health Center in Miami, at 5361 Northwest 22nd Avenue. The tests are free until July 16.  Health Center hours are Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Results are ready within three minutes.

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