Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Outreach Module Why Lead

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Outreach Module

Why Lead is Dangerous for Young Children n n Lead is a toxic metal found in the environment Children 6 months to 6 years are at risk u Kids absorb more from hand to mouth activity u Can cause developmental delays because it interferes with how the brain matures

Common Sources of Lead in a Child’s Environment n n n Paint and dust Soil Water Toys, vinyl miniblinds Pottery from foreign places

Other Sources of Lead Keys n Pewter n Home remedies n Glaze on old bathtubs n Soil contaminated from leaded gasoline n

Lead Sources Soil near heavily-used streets and roads may contain lead because lead was used in gasoline production. Lead may also be found in the soil next to homes that previously had been painted with lead-based paint. Lead in soil can contribute to high levels of lead in household dust. http: //www. niehs. nih. gov/kids/lead. htm

Lead Sources Lead may get into drinking water when leadcontaining materials are used in plumbing parts, such as pipes, solders, and brass or chrome plated faucets; any of these components may begin to corrode and break down http: //www. niehs. nih. gov/kids/lead. htm

Lead Sources n n n n Plastic mini-blinds Old toys / imported toys Lead painted pottery Leaded crystal Inks Artists paints Ammunition Dishes http: //www. niehs. nih. gov/kids/lead. htm n n n n Ammunition Stained glass Fishing sinkers Yellow road stripes Pool cue chalk Cosmetics Colored newspapers Hair dyes

Lead Producers n n n n Battery manufacturing Chemical industries Construction & demolition Firing-range instructors Foundry workers Gas-station attendants Jewelers Lead miners & smelters n n n n n Pigment manufacturing Pipe fitters Plastics industry Printers Radiator repair workers Rubber industry Solid waste production Stained-glass makers Welders Source: American Family Physician

lower level lead exposure…results “Deficits in cognitive and academic skills associated with lead exposure occur at blood lead concentrations lower than 5 μg/d. L” Lanphear, et al. Public Health Reports 2000 (115); 521 -529.

lower level lead exposure…results Study repeated u prospective n Similar results u Demonstrable decrements in IQ u Effects greatest at lower lead levels n Canfield R L, et al. NEJM 348(16): 1517.

Two screenings suggested 12 months of age u anemia n 24 months of age u levels typically higher n once before 6 years of age if not done previously n

The only way to know if your child has high lead levels Ask your doctor for a blood lead test

Protect Yourself From Lead…. . n n n Wash your hands before you eat Take off your shoes at the door Eat a healthy diet that includes iron and calcium

Is Lead Hiding In Your Home? http: //www. niehs. nih. gov/kids/leadhouse. htm

Lead Resources On The Web n n n n National Safety Council u http: //www. nsc. org/library/facts/lead. htm CDC u http: //www. cdc. gov/nceh/lead/faq/cdc 97 a. htm American Academy of Pediatrics u http: //www. aap. org/ Alliance To End Childhood Lead Poisoning u http: //www. aeclp. org/ National Institute of Environmental Health Services u http: //www. niehs. nih. gov/kids/lead. htm The Lead Group u http: //www. lead. org. au/fs-index. html Housing Urban Development (HUD) u http: //www. HUD. gov/offices/lead/

Points of Contact n n National Lead Information Center u 1 -800 -424 -LEAD EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline u 1 -800 -426 -4791 Consumer Products Safety Commission Hotline u 1 -800 -638 -2772 Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Office of Lead Hazard Control u 202 -755 -1785

Points of Contact n n n Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Center u 303 -739 -1123 u 1 -800 -332 -3073 Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment u 1 -800 -886 -7689 Blood-Lead Testing u Contact your doctor