Thursday, May 17, 2012

What You Can Do

  • Clean up paint chips immediately.
  • If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
  • Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (CLPP) program provides testing and assessment of home lead hazards to prevent small children from becoming lead poisoned. CLPP provides case management for families with lead poisoned children.

Did You Know?

Lead-based paint that is in good condition does not pose a hazard. But when this paint breaks down, the lead forms a fine dust that can spread throughout the interior and exterior of a home. Children can become lead poisoned by getting this dust on their hands or toys and then putting their hands in their mouths.

Lead that is ingested is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of unborn and young children and can cause irreversible effects including learning disabilities, mental retardation, coma, and, in extreme cases, death.

If your home was built before 1978, it is likely to be painted with lead-based paint. If you have children six years old or younger, they could be at risk for lead poisoning. But don’t worry – lead poisoning is completely preventable.

Steps for Removing Lead

  • To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a certified Lead Abatement contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials.
  • Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems — someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules set by the state and federal government.
  • Contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) for help with locating certified contractors in your area. You might also be eligible for financial assistance.

Public Health in the Community

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)

NIW April 21st-28th is National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW).

The goal of the Immunization Program is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly. NIIW is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to immunize their children, as well as catch up on their own vaccinations.

Public Health-Dayton & Montgomery County holds outreach clinics for children each month.

Read more

More Articles