October 20, 2005

Despite a national decline in blood lead levels over the past two decades, children in Michigan continue to be poisoned by lead in their homes, and lead poisoning remains the number one environmental health problem facing children today. To raise awareness of the problem, Michigan will join other states in the annual observance of National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from October 23 to October 29.

“I urge all citizens to become aware of the sources of lead poisoning and actions to prevent exposure, and public health professionals to form partnerships with communities to eliminate sources of exposure in a safe and effective manner in order to protect the health and welfare of Michigan citizens,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in her Executive Declaration.

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Lead Hazard Remediation programs at the Michigan Department of Community Health are coordinating statewide activities, such as community displays by local health departments and qualified health plans. Elementary schools are encouraged to educate young children and their families (especially parents with young children still at home) about preventing lead poisoning in the home and in daycare/babysitting settings.

A public hearing will take place on Monday, October 24 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Genesee County Administration Building in the Harris Auditorium. The public hearing will enable the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commissioners to communicate directly with citizens and advocates regarding barriers and possible improvements in the prevention and control of childhood lead poisoning.

“Public comment is important to the Commission’s work,” said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General and Commission Chairperson. “We look forward to hearing from Michigan citizens as we develop recommendations to resolve this serious public health problem.”

The Commission will also accept written public comment submitted by mail or fax before October 31, 2005. Comments should be mailed to: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission, c/o Health Management Associates, 120 North Washington Square, Suite 705, Lansing, MI 48933 or faxed to (517) 482-0920. 

Children under age six are most often poisoned by dust from lead paint in older homes, especially those built before 1950. One of every three homes in Michigan was built before this time. Dust is created by opening and closing windows, and by remodeling or renovating. Lead dust then settles on floors and window sills, and is ingested when infants and toddlers put their hands or toys into their mouths. Most of the time, children do not show signs that they have been poisoned by lead. However, recent research has linked lead poisoning to violent crime, as well as lowered intelligence, learning disabilities, and aggressive behavior. A blood lead test is the only way to be certain that a child has not been poisoned by lead. Parents should ask their health care provider about blood lead testing.

There are several simple things that can be done in any home to prevent poisoning from taking place:

· Keep lead dust to a minimum. Floors and window sills can be kept dust and dirt free by wet mopping with detergent.

· Wash children’s’ hands, pacifiers and toys frequently with soap and water. Always wash children’s hands with soap and water before each meal and before bedtime.

· Keep surfaces wet while sanding or scraping old paint.

· Feed young children healthy foods, rich in calcium and iron, and low in fat, to prevent lead from being absorbed by their bodies.

· Have your home checked by a professional lead assessor to determine the presence of lead paint, identify other dangers for children, and obtain information on how to fix the problem areas.

For more information about childhood lead poisoning or the Lead Hazard Remediation Program, please visit www.michigan.gov/leadsafe. For more information about the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission Public Hearing, contact Amy Wiles at (517) 482-9236 or email awiles@healthmanagement.com.