Lead Poisoning Is Preventable

 

This is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), a joint effort by the CDC, EPA, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to raise awareness about lead poisoning, reduce children’s exposure to lead, and prevent its serious and permanent health consequences. There are three main themes for NLPPW in 2021:

 

1. Get the Facts

Although remarkable progress has been made in this country to reduce the chances of lead exposure, yesterday we learned of a recent study of more than one million children under six showing that more than half had detectable levels of lead in their bloodstreams. NLPPW outlines the scope of the problem:

About 3.3 MILLION American households, including
2.1 MILLION low-income households, have children under
6 YEARS of age who live in homes with lead exposure hazards. Even relatively low levels of lead exposure can impair a child’s cognitive development. Children with blood lead levels can experience delayed growth and development, damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems, and a host of other health-related problems. Public health actions are needed for these children. There is no safe blood lead level in children.

 

Lead poisoning is preventable. The key is to identify sources of lead indoors and outdoors, and limit exposure. Lead-based paint used in homes before 1978 is the most common source of lead exposure in kids:

Children can be exposed by swallowing or breathing in lead dust created by old paint that has cracked and chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on surfaces coated with lead-based paint, such as window sills.

• There are simple steps that can be taken to protect family members from lead-based paint hazards in the home, such as regularly cleaning the home, washing children’s hands and toys often, and wiping shoes before entering the home.

• If you live in a home built before 1978, a certified inspector or risk assessor can be hired to check your home for lead-based paint or lead hazards. If renting, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested.

• Lead can also be found in drinking water. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fxtures.

 

Young kids are more likely to be exposed to lead in their environment:

Children can become exposed to lead by:

• Putting their hands or other lead-contaminated objects in their mouths,

• Breathing or swallowing lead-contaminated dust,

• Eating paint chips found in homes from peeling or faking lead-based paint,

• Drinking water that comes from lead pipes, faucets, and fxtures,

• Playing in lead-contaminated soil,

• Eating food, spices, or candies made with or contaminated by lead, and

• Using ceremonial make-up or powders that contain lead.

 

2. Get your Home Tested

For homes built before 1978, getting it inspected and tested for lead-based paint is advised. Finding lead in your home’s drinking water might also require testing. Homeowners and renters can get more information about what’s in their drinking water from their city or county health department and municipal water authority. The EPA also has information about drinking water here.

 

3. Get your Child Tested

Testing children early in life is extremely important, especially in kids who are at high risk of exposure. Because there is no safe level of lead in a child’s bloodstream, the detection of low amounts of lead is not necessarily reassuring. Instead, it’s a sign of failure by responsible adults to protect children:

• Act early to get your child tested for lead. Children’s blood lead levels tend to increase from 6 to 12 months of age and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months of age.

• A simple blood test can detect lead. Consult your healthcare provider for advice on blood lead testing.

• Blood lead tests are required for children at ages 12 and 24 months who receive Medicaid.

• Blood lead tests are recommended for:

> Children at ages 12 and 24 months living in high risk areas or who belong to high risk populations,

  > Children or other family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead, and

  > Children who should be tested under your state or local health screening plan.

  > Pregnant women who think they may have been exposed to lead. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test.

 

Allegheny County residents can get more information about preventing lead poisoning in children, including the graphic at the top of this post, at Get The Lead Out, Pittsburgh.

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2021/10/26/lead-poisoning-is-preventable/