October 20, 2006

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is raising awareness by joining other states in the annual observance of National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from October 22-28.

"I urge all citizens to educate themselves on the sources of lead poisoning and to take action to prevent exposure," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "Public health professionals, landlords, and caregivers must all continue to form partnerships within their communities to help eliminate sources of lead poisoning to protect the health and welfare of Michigan citizens."

Lead poisoning remains the number one environmental health problem facing children. Children under age six are most often poisoned by dust from lead paint in older homes, especially those built before 1950. One in 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 windowsills, 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, a lowered level of 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.

Several simple things can be done in any home to prevent poisoning from taking place:

· Keep lead dust to a minimum. Surfaces should be kept wet while sanding or scraping old paint. Floors and windowsills can be kept dust and dirt free by wet mopping with detergent.

· Wash children's hands (specifically before meals and bedtime), pacifiers, and toys frequently with soap and water.

· 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 detect any presence of lead paint, identify other dangers for children, and to obtain information on how to fix the problem areas.

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.

For more information regarding childhood lead poisoning or the Lead Hazard Remediation Program, please visit www.michigan.gov/leadsafe or call (517) 335-9390.