Lead poisoning is still a concern for the health of Hartford’s youngsters, but it is entirely preventable. To increase awareness of how childhood lead poisoning can be prevented, the Department of Health and Human Services is participating in the 2011 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and will be providing lead awareness to families, property owners and contractors.
Lead awareness events will take place at a variety of sites throughout the city: Tuesday, October 25 (9:00 A.M. to Noon) at the City of Hartford License & Inspections Department at 250 Constitution Plaza Wednesday, October 26 (9:00 A.M. to Noon) at Star Hardware store at 2995 Main Street Thursday, October 27 (9:00 A.M. to Noon) at the Health & Human Services Department at 131 Coventry Street in Hartford.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly a quarter of a million children living in the U.S. have blood lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health. Despite the publicity about lead-tainted children’s toys, the major source of lead exposure among U.S. children continues to be lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings.
This year's theme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future ", underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.
Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:
1. Get your Home Tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
2. Get your Child Tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
3. Get the Facts! Your local health department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning.
You can learn more about preventing lead poisoning by contacting Arlene I. Robertson at 860-757-4768 at the Lead Poisoning Prevention & Education Program in Hartford.
