Keeping Lead Away from Our Kids
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (10/21- 10/27/12)
Lead poisoning is a very serious condition that can result in life-long health consequences in children. Despite the danger of lead exposure, childhood lead poisoning is also one of the most preventable and avoidable environmental challenges facing our communities. Unfortunately, children continue to be poisoned. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week reminds us about the dangers of lead exposure to our children and the need to protect this vulnerable population. The identification of lead hazards in the home is essential to reduce exposure to lead and prevent childhood lead poisoning. Families in Dane County with young children or pregnant women living in pre-1978 homes can get an evaluation of their home for potential lead hazards from Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) at no cost by calling our office at (608) 266-4821. Private companies also provide this service, which may cost around $100 to $150 depending on the services provided. Information on private companies providing lead risk investigation can be found at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/CompanyList/LeadConsultants.pdf or by calling our office. Children at risk of lead poisoning should also have a blood test performed by their health care provider at ages 1 and 2 years old. This is important because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms and frequently goes unrecognized. Parents should contact their provider to make an appointment for the test. This is especially important if you live in an older home or are in environments where there are known lead hazards. Lead is a poison that can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system and is particularly dangerous to children and pregnant women. Lead poisoning in children can result in an increased risk of learning disabilities, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and behavioral problems. In most cases, these problems show up years after the exposure has occurred. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary precautions above to prevent exposure to lead and the potential impact to the health of your child. Additional information concerning lead hazards and actions you can take to prevent exposure is provided in the links below. If you have any concerns about lead in your home, please contact us at (608) 266-4821 to schedule an inspection. For more detailed information on lead poisoning prevention see http://http://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental-health/environmenta… For information on lead poisoning risks to children and advice on how to avoid lead exposure during remodeling projects, see the following brochures: http://www.publichealthmdc.com/documents/LeadPois-Eng.pdf http://www.publichealthmdc.com/documents/LeadGuide-Eng.pdf For information about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week see http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/nlppw.htm -END- NEWS RELEASE Public Health - Madison & Dane County
