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National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Begins October 24

Release Date: 10/22/1999
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

PHILADELPHIA - Now that colder weather is approaching, children will be spending more time indoors, where they may be at an increased risk of lead poisoning.

Getting the word out on how to prevent this threat to children’s health is the goal of "National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week," October 24-30, which kicks off a nationwide campaign for a lead-free America that was launched by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The main cause of lead poisoning is exposure to lead dust from deteriorating paint. More than 80 percent of homes and apartments built in the United States before 1978 contain lead paint. Minor renovations and routine friction on painted surfaces create lead dust.

The federal government banned lead paint in 1978 because of health concerns. Ingesting lead can cause severe mental developmental and behavioral problems including lowered intelligence in children. Children are easily exposed to lead because they play on the floor or ground and put things in their mouth, swallowing or inhaling lead dust. Some tips on preventing lead poisoning include:

        • If you live in a home that was built before 1978, get your child and home tested.
        • Clean up paint chips using a wet sponge or rag. Completely rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
        • When renovating or remodeling, hire a professional to remove lead-based paint.
        • Keep children from chewing on painted surfaces, such as windowsills, cribs and playpens or from playing near painted surfaces that rub together.

Additional details on lead exposure are available through the EPA lead hotline at 800-424-LEAD and on the Internet at www.epa.gov/lead; www.hud.gov/lead; www.nsc.org/ehc/lead; and www.aeclp.org.
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