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TextLead Poisoning Prevention
Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet nearly half a million U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels, according to the CDC. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 21–27 and is sponsored by the CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
- Get Your Home Tested. Ask for a lead inspection before you buy a home built before 1978.
- Get Your Child Tested. Ask your doctor to test your young children for lead even if they seem healthy.
- Get the Facts: Learn how to prevent lead poisoning.
Print Materials:
- Parents: Fact Sheet from the CDC
- Kids: "Ethan's House Gets Healthier" Coloring Book
- Everyone:
Lead Resources
- Virginia Department of Health: Lead Safe Program
- Lead Recalls
- Environmental Protection Agency: Learn About Lead in Your Environment. (Spanish Version)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Information on Lead
- EPA lead regulations now apply to all contractors for renovation, repair or painting in homes built before 1978.
About Lead – Fairfax County
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly.
National research suggests that the primary sources of lead exposure for most children are:
- Deteriorating lead-based paint
- Lead contaminated dust
- Residential soil
Locally we have observed culturally unique cosmetics and homeopathic or home remedies that contain lead.
Changes in the law have greatly reduced the amount of lead in our homes and in the air today. But it is important to remember that lead does not break down over time. Therefore, you should know how to identify sources of lead in your home and how to keep your family safe.
Fairfax County Health Department conducts Environmental Blood Level Evaluations for all reports of lead poisoning in children under 6. When a report is received of a child with a significantly elevated blood lead level, a Fairfax County Health Department multi-disciplinary Lead Response Team conducts an Environmental Blood Lead Level Evaluation and educates the household members about reducing lead exposure.
Here are a few resources for your use in safeguarding your home and children from lead:
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