Nearly half a million U.S. children missed out on lead tests in early 2020
Exposure to the toxic metal can cause long-term health problems for children
![nurse drawing blood from a boy in Flint, Michigan](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/020421_AC_lead-test_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
A boy gives blood during a lead-testing clinic in Flint, Mich., in 2016. The city switched its water supply in 2014, which caused lead contamination of residents’ water.
Mike Householder/AP Images