|
 Homes build prior to 1978 contained lead base
paint which is a major source of contamination, and in Logan County,
a high percentage of homes were built during that era. Fortunately,
in 1978, the use of lead based paint was banned for new homes.
Unfortunately, the impact of childhood lead poisoning is all too
real and can last a lifetime. Since high levels in the blood effect
brain development, the long-term quality of an affected individual’s
life will be greatly threatened. Be sure your child is safe from
lead poisoning.
Children most vulnerable to lead poisoning are those with persistent
oral behaviors, living in older homes, living in low-income
households, and children with low iron levels who receive poor
nutrition. Major sources of lead include lead-based paint, unsafe
renovation and remodeling practices, outdoor exposure to soil,
contaminated soil tracked into the home, imported foods containing
lead, lead-glazed pottery, and parental hobbies or occupations that
involve lead exposure.
Lead from paint begins to be exposed and hazardous as paint
deteriorates. Lead poisoning primarily occurs through hand to mouth
contact when child ingests lead after accumulating it on the hands.
Hand contact, for example, may occur when a child plays around
window sills where lead-based paint dust can accumulate from opening
and closing of windows. Once blood levels become elevated, the
effects can reduce a child’s cognitive potential which can increase
the risk of learning disabilities, behavior problems, anemia,
aggression, and hyperactivity.
Prevention measures include good housekeeping such as wet cleaning
to keep dust levels to a minimum. It is important to keep every
surface the child touches as clean as possible. Proper and frequent
hand washing is encouraged for children at any age. For older homes,
paint encapsulation measures can be taken to provide a barrier to
reduce exposure to lead-based paint. If renovating, it is important
that the contractor you hire is certified in lead-safe renovation
practices. Nutritional measures such as increased iron, vitamin C
and calcium intake can help decrease the blood lead level of a
child. All children who are eligible for
Medicaid or who reside in high risk zip code areas are required to
be tested for lead. The Illinois Department of Public Health
determines the high risk zip codes and the list is available at the
Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH). LCDPH can also
perform lead tests. If a child is found to have a high blood lead
level, LCDPH will provide follow-up services for that child and
their parents.
[to top of second column] |
For more information regarding lead prevention and testing services,
contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at
217-735-2317.
In addition, a great on-line resource for lead is the
Environmental Protection Agency at
https://www.epa.gov/lead.
 |
