LEAD-FREE KIDS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK
Nearly a quarter of a million children living in the United States have blood lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based on data from a national survey. If high blood lead levels are not detected early, children with such high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system. They can develop behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity), slowed growth, hearing problems, and aggressive patterns of behavior.
To raise awareness of the consequences of lead poisoning among parents and pregnant women who live in homes built before 1978, the Columbus Department of Public Health and Lead Safe Columbus are participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 23–29th. In observance of National Lead Poisoning Prevention month, Lead Safe Columbus is offering one free lead screening kit per household for qualified Georgia residents now through the end of November. Lead Safe Columbus joins the CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in encouraging parents to learn more about how to prevent lead poisoning.
This year's Lead Safe Columbus theme, "painting a healthier future for our community" underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.
Established in 1999 by the US Senate, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week occurs every year during the last week in October. During this week, many states and communities offer free blood-lead testing and conduct various education and awareness events. For more information about NLPPW activities in Columbus, Georgia, contact Lead Safe Columbus at (706) 321-6170 or visit our website at www.leadsafecolumbus.com.