To raise awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and other agencies are participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) Oct. 21-27.
Participating agencies also include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to a news release from the ADH.
“Lead in gasoline and paint has been banned in the United States since the 1970s, but lead exposure and poisoning is still a problem, especially for children,” according to the release. “Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, which occurs when lead enters the bloodstream and builds up to toxic levels. The NLPPW theme, ‘Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,’ underscores the importance of learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects, testing your home, and testing your child. NLPPW focuses on the many ways parents can reduce children’s exposure to lead in their environment and prevent its serious health effects.”
Tips to help protect the family from lead poisoning include:
• Get the Facts: Find out about the hazards of lead at the Arkansas Department of Health, at 501-671-1472 or review the ADH Lead-Based Paint Program website at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/lead-based-paint-program>.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• Get the Home Tested: Find out how to minimize risks of lead exposure by hiring a certified professional to test older homes for lead. Water pipes in some older homes may contain lead solder where lead may leach out into the water. Details: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/leadinwater/default.htm>.
• Get children tested: A simple blood test can detect lead. Consult a doctor for advice on testing children.
• Wash a child’s hands before meals and after playing outside.
• Provide a child with meals and snacks that are high in iron, calcium and Vitamin C.
• Frequently wash toys, pacifiers and other items a child uses regularly.
• Dust and wet mop weekly.
• Have the family members leave their shoes outside the door.
• Ensure that any home renovation and maintenance work is done in a lead-safe way.
An owner of a home built prior to 1978, who does not wish to fully abate lead hazards, should be careful when disturbing lead-based paint.
Residents may visit the ADH’s Lead-Based Paint Program to learn more about lead exposures at the following events:
Thursday, Oct. 25: Fuller and Son Hardware, Little Rock, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Big Boo!seum Bash, Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center, Little Rock, 5:30-8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 26: Fuller and Son Hardware, North Little Rock, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 27: University of Arkansas District Wellness Fair, Donaghey Student Fitness Center, Little Rock, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: Lead-Based Paint Program, 501-671-1472, or National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD.