Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:           Immediate Release         

 

Kill Date:                    October 25, 2008

 

Contact Person:        Sherry Taylor RN, BSN

                                    Public Health Nurse Coordinator

                                    Genesee County Health Department

 

Phone:                        (810) 257-3833

 

RE:                              Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Awareness

                                    Week   October 19-25, 2008

 

 

During Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Awareness Week, October 19-25, 2008, the Genesee County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition urges parents to have their children under six years of age tested for lead poisoning by their family physician.

Young children may not show signs that they are lead poisoned. A blood lead test is the only way to be certain that a child is healthy.  All children enrolled in a Medicaid Health Plan are required to have a blood lead test at age one and two or at least once between the ages of three and six if they have not previously been tested.  Other health insurance will pay for blood lead testing and free blood lead testing is available at the Genesee County Health Department for those without insurance.

Lead poisoning has been linked to violent crime, as well as lowered intelligence, learning disabilities, and aggressive behavior.  Children under age six years old are most often poisoned by dust from lead paint in older homes, especially those built before 1950.  One out of three homes in Michigan was built before this time.  Lead dust is created by opening and closing windows, and by remodeling or renovation.  Lead dust settles on floors and window sills, and is ingested when infants and toddlers put their hands or toys into their mouths, as they so often do when they are exploring their world.

There are 5 simple things that can be done in any home to prevent lead poisoning:

  •       Keep lead dust to a minimum.  Keep floors and window sills dust and dirt free by wet mopping with detergent.

  •       Wash children’s hands, pacifiers and toys with soap and water—frequently! Always wash children’s hands with soap and water before each meal, and before bedtime.

  •       Keep surfaces wet while sanding or scraping old paint.

  •       Feed young children healthy foods, rich in calcium and iron, and low in fat, to prevent lead from being absorbed by their bodies.

  •       Have your home checked by a professional lead assessor to determine the presence of lead paint, identify other dangers for children, and provide information on how to fix the problem areas. 

 

To make an appointment for blood lead testing or for additional questions and information about childhood lead poisoning prevention contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3833.

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