This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health. Major sources of lead exposure to U.S. children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Children can also be exposed to lead from additional sources including contaminated drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace, and lead in soil.

Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable.

This year’s theme for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week focuses on the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.

Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:

  1. Get your Home Tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
  2. Get your Child Tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
  3. Get the Facts! The Adams County Health Department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning. For additional information contact the Adams County Health Department at 217.222.8440 x 163.

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