Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

BINGHAMTON, NY - Most people are aware of the danger of lead poisoning, but too many believe that lead poisoning is chiefly caused by children eating paint chips. Lead poisoning from paint chips is a serious problem, but lead can get in the body in many ways, including by breathing or swallowing dust or soil or through drinking water.

Lead products are used in a variety of hobbies, such as solder in stained glass. Unsafe remodeling or renovations can also pose the danger of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause serious disability, but because the symptoms may not be obvious at first, many people with high levels of lead in their bodies are not aware of it.

Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but is particularly dangerous to young children, babies and unborn children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one in every 25 children is affected by exposure to lead hazards.

During Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 20 to 26, the Broome County Health Department reminds parents that in order to prevent permanent injury, it is important to know early if a child has been exposed to lead. Children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing loss and headaches.

New York State requires that all children be tested for lead at ages one and two. Parents should ask their health care provider about the test. It is also recommended that pregnant women ask their health care providers about the test for lead.

"Before we knew how harmful it could be, lead was used in house paint, gasoline, water pipes and many other products. Most homes built before 1960 contain lead paint. Some homes painted as recently as 1978 may also contain lead paint, and household plumbing that is made with lead materials continue to be a hazard," said Diane O'Hora, Director of Health Education and Emergency Preparedness for the Broome County Health Department.

"Ordinary dust and dirt may contain lead. Children can swallow lead or breathe lead- contaminated dust if they play in dust or dirt, then put their fingers or toys in their mouths, or eat without washing their hands first," she said.

The Broome County Health Department recommends the following precautions to protect your children from lead poisoning:

• Clean floors, window frames, windowsills and other surfaces at least weekly. Use a mop, sponge or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner.
• Don't try to remove lead paint yourself, because you risk creating lead dust and chips. Consider hiring a professional contractor with experience in working safely with lead removal.
• Be sure children wash their hands before eating, after playing outside and at bedtime.
• Don't bring lead dust into the home. If you are exposed to lead at work, change your clothes and shower, if possible, before you go home. Wash work clothes separately.

For more information about lead poisoning, call the Broome County Health Department, Environmental Health Services at 607.778.2887 or write:

Lead Poisoning

PO Box 2000

Albany, NY 12220

CONTACT:

Diane O'Hora, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3921
email: dohora@co.broome.ny.us

Robert Denz, Environmental Health Services Division Director,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.2802
email: rdenz

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