2019 Wellness

2019 Wellness Expo LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Thursday, February 21, 2019 Page 15 D id you know statistical data from 2016 shows that Logan County ranked among the top 25% of counties in Illinois as greatest risk for childhood lead poisoning? 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. 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. of childhood lead poisoning