EPA Increases Awareness of Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning
Federal, state and local governments and non-profit organizations will participate in the eighth annual Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Oct. 22-28, 2006. EPA partners with other government agencies and organizations to highlight the importance of lead poisoning prevention.
Events being held across the country include free blood-lead tests for children, opportunities for education and outreach to families such as health fairs and workshops on lead education and safety. Lead poisoning, due to the existence of lead paint in older homes, continues to be a concern for as many as 310,000 American children under the age of six.
Children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning since they are more likely to ingest lead paint and are more sensitive to the effects of lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children can trigger learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing and even brain damage. To learn more about Lead Poisoning Prevention Week activities, contact a local health department or call 1-800-424-LEAD.
This article originally appeared in the 10/01/2006 issue of Environmental Protection.