National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week runs from October 19th to 25th, and area health officials are ramping up efforts to alert families about the risks of lead exposure. The campaign theme, “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” emphasizes testing homes and children, as well as learning prevention steps. Nearly half a million U.S. children have elevated blood lead levels, with Illinois alone identifying more than 8,300 affected last year. Main sources include lead-based paint, dust in old buildings, and contaminated drinking water. The Health Department urges parents to test children at ages one and two, as early intervention protects healthy development.
Health Department officials note, “Nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health.”
Lead poisoning remains a serious threat to children’s health, often without obvious symptoms. Parents are urged to protect their families by testing older homes for lead, especially before purchase, and getting their children screened—even if they appear healthy. Simple blood tests at your doctor’s office or local health department can quickly detect exposure, with testing recommended at ages one and two. Early detection helps prevent lifelong learning or developmental problems.
They add, “Illinois identified more than 8,300 children with confirmed blood lead levels greater than the intervention level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC. The major sources of this lead exposure to children included lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Children can also be exposed to lead from additional sources including drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace, and lead in soil.”
Residents concerned about lead exposure can reach the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD for details on prevention and safety. Blood lead testing is available at First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. To make an appointment, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. For ongoing updates, follow the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Taking proactive steps and staying informed can help protect your family’s health from the dangers of lead poisoning.
