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Make Your Home Lead-Safe -Take action during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Release Date: 10/15/2003
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – October 19-26 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
While childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the United States, the good news is that lead poisoning is entirely preventable

“EPA encourages parents and property-owners to avoid lead exposure by testing children for lead and checking homes for lead hazards,” said Donald S. Welsh, mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has identified lead poisoning as one of the most common toxicological hazards facing young children in the U.S. Most homes built before 1978 have paint with lead, and children living in these homes are at risk for ingesting or absorbing lead from paint dust, tap water, or the soil. Tenants and parents need to know what danger signs to look for, and how to reduce or eliminate lead poisoning.

Children who are lead-poisoned often suffer from learning disabilities, brain and central nervous system damage, and other physical effects. EPA encourages families to get their children’s blood tested for lead.

In addition, the EPA recommends that when you are renovating or remodeling your home, you hire a professional to remove lead-based paint. Painting, home improvement, and maintenance work in older homes can endanger children when not performed properly.

To protect your child, ask your health care provider for a blood-lead test and get your home tested for lead. If you own your home, contact the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD for information on how to find certified professionals to test for lead.

If you are a tenant, talk with your landlord about having your residence tested.

RADIO EDITORS: Please note: five 30-second sound bites on lead poisoning prevention are available at https://www.epa.gov/region3/radionews. Additional information on lead exposure or regulations are available through the EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/lead.