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Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Program Description
The lead poisoning prevention program is a state sponsored program that has a primary purpose of protecting children under the age of 6 from being exposed to lead- based paint and other lead –bearing hazards. When a child has been exposed to a lead hazard, an environmental health specialist will conduct an investigation of the child’s address to attempt to identify his or her exposure.
Information & Education
We provide information to parents on how to reduce a child’s exposure to lead and provide educational opportunities for renters, owners and managing agents on safe methods of removal the hazards for a home or residence. Some of the services that the program provides includes: case management for elevated blood lead and lead-poisoned children, environmental investigations in residences and child-occupied facilities, and community education to increase lead poisoning awareness.
Investigations
Environmental Investigations focuses on the presence of lead hazard to prevent further contact of the child to the lead source (s). Some common sources of lead include but are not limited to: paint, older vinyl mini-blinds, ceramic ware, older plumbing, some toys, water, etc. In 1978, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead in paint at levels above .06%. However, a large portion of residential homes, built before 1978, still contain significant levels of lead-based paint or lead-laden dust or soil as a result of lead-based paint use.
Children, under the age of 6 years should have their blood tested for lead at the health department, pediatrician, or other health care provider. The initial check is usually done with a simple finger-stick test. If there is an elevated blood lead level then a second test (venous) will be done. Blood lead levels of 10ug/dl or greater will trigger medical, nutritional, and environmental follow-up.
The program is working to inform all interested parties on environmental hazards to children, all in our attempt to protect children.
The lead poisoning prevention program is a state sponsored program that has a primary purpose of protecting children under the age of 6 from being exposed to lead- based paint and other lead –bearing hazards. When a child has been exposed to a lead hazard, an environmental health specialist will conduct an investigation of the child’s address to attempt to identify his or her exposure.
Information & Education
We provide information to parents on how to reduce a child’s exposure to lead and provide educational opportunities for renters, owners and managing agents on safe methods of removal the hazards for a home or residence. Some of the services that the program provides includes: case management for elevated blood lead and lead-poisoned children, environmental investigations in residences and child-occupied facilities, and community education to increase lead poisoning awareness.
Investigations
Environmental Investigations focuses on the presence of lead hazard to prevent further contact of the child to the lead source (s). Some common sources of lead include but are not limited to: paint, older vinyl mini-blinds, ceramic ware, older plumbing, some toys, water, etc. In 1978, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead in paint at levels above .06%. However, a large portion of residential homes, built before 1978, still contain significant levels of lead-based paint or lead-laden dust or soil as a result of lead-based paint use.
Children, under the age of 6 years should have their blood tested for lead at the health department, pediatrician, or other health care provider. The initial check is usually done with a simple finger-stick test. If there is an elevated blood lead level then a second test (venous) will be done. Blood lead levels of 10ug/dl or greater will trigger medical, nutritional, and environmental follow-up.
The program is working to inform all interested parties on environmental hazards to children, all in our attempt to protect children.