MEDIA RELEASE: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 20th– 26th

Last Updated: 10/21/2024

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 20^th– 26^th

 October 20^th-26^th is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! Held annually, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week brings awareness to childhood lead poisoning prevention and common sources of lead exposure.

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern that can cause physical, mental, and developmental problems in children. Unfortunately, you cannot tell that a child has lead poisoning by looking at them, which is why it is important to get children tested for lead at ages 1 and 2. A blood test is the only way to know if a child has elevated levels of lead in their blood. New York State Public Health Law requires health care providers to make sure all children are tested for lead at age 1 and again at age 2.

Lead is a metal found in the Earth that is poisonous to humans. Lead has been used in a wide variety of products found in and around homes, including paint, plumbing materials, and gasoline. Most often, the source of lead poisoning is chipping or peeling lead paint. A large portion of homes in Tioga County were built before 1978, the year that lead-based paint was banned in the United States. Other sources of lead include contaminated soil, water, toys, and food products.

Young children are most at-risk for lead poisoning because they are frequently putting their hands, toys, and other objects in their mouths. When lead-contaminated dust gets on their hands or the object they are chewing on, the child ingests (eats) the lead. Young children also absorb lead more easily, making them more susceptible to lead poisoning than older children and adults. Pregnant women are also at-risk for lead poisoning and can pass lead to their unborn baby! Pregnant women who have concerns about lead should discuss lead testing with their healthcare provider.

When a child has lead poisoning, Tioga County Public Health works closely with the child’s family and primary care provider to bring their lead levels down. This is completed through a home inspection to identify sources of lead and follow-up lead testing to monitor the child’s lead levels. Education on risk reduction strategies, such as frequent handwashing and proper cleaning techniques is provided, as well as nutritional counseling to encourage the parent to feed their child a well-balanced diet. A diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C is recommended as these nutrients help the body absorb less lead.

For more information on lead poisoning prevention call Tioga County Public Health at 687-8600, follow us on Facebook, or visit our website at ph.tiogacountyny.gov.

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