Logan County Department of Public Health promotes childhood lead poisoning prevention awareness

 

[November 01, 2024] 

Recently, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recognized Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week which ran through October 26th. The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) joins IDPH in reminding everyone of the dangers of lead poisoning.

Anyone can be at risk for lead poisoning which can lead to a variety of health problems, and children are at the greatest risk as their brains are in the developmental process. According to IDPH, health issues associated with lead exposure include damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavioral issues.

The main source of lead exposure is from lead contaminated dust and lead based paint. Lead-based paint was used up until 1978 when it was banned, and many older homes still contain lead-based paint. It is estimated that there are 3.3 million homes in Illinois built prior to 1978 and, of that number, approximately 1.2 million homes still contain lead hazards in some form.

Children are more at risk of exposure as they typically play on the floor and around windows. One such hazard occurs when lead dust settles on windowsills and on floors due to the friction of opening and closing windows. When children come in contact with lead, internal exposure may occur through hand to mouth contact. This is just one example as there are other ways children can become exposed to lead. There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the sooner lead is identified, the better chance there is of treating and reversing its effects.

Illinois law requires physicians treating children 6 months through 6 years to have them screened or tested for lead exposure before entering childcare, preschool, or kindergarten. However, since Logan County is considered a high-risk county by the State of Illinois, children in Logan County are required to get tested on or after their 2nd birthday. The Logan County Department of Public health offers lead testing. To get your child tested for lead, you can visit LCDPH located at 109 3rd Street, Lincoln, IL. For more information regarding lead testing or any services offered at LCDPH, you can call them at 217-735-2317 or visit their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG.

Information Source: IDPH

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]