MAYVILLE, NY — National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 20-26, 2024. To mark the event, Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) is joining with the Healthy @ Home CHQ Coalition and other community partners to ‘Take Steps for Lead Free Kids’ by visiting older homes in Chautauqua County to share five simple steps to protect kids from lead poisoning. The information will be shared via a door hanger left for residents.
“I want to thank our CCHD Lead Poisoning Prevention Team for their tireless work to bring awareness to the dangers of lead paint exposure to children,” states Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County’s Public Health Director. “There is much work to be done in order to remediate lead paint hazards from homes in Chautauqua County. The Healthy @ Home CHQ Coalition partners provide the County with a combined systematic approach to tackle this important matter and capitalize on the great work that is already being done. We truly could not accomplish these goals without our community partners.”
Five Steps to Protect Kids from Lead Poisoning:
- Test your home. Call the CCHD at 716-753-4489 for a free home inspection. Homes built before 1978 likely contain lead paint.
- Wash hands often especially before eating; and
- Wet wipe surfaces and wash toys often to help prevent lead dust from getting on your child’s hands and mouth.
- Feed kids healthy foods rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C. These nutrients can help reduce the body's absorption of lead. Providing a healthy diet can act as a preventative measure against lead poisoning.
- Test your kids at ages 1 & 2. Ask your doctor about testing options. The effects caused by lead poisoning generally don’t show up right away, but can negatively impact a child the rest of their life. A simple blood lead test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed and is recommended at ages one and two.
It’s important to note that lead poisoning can affect anyone, but babies and children under the age of 6 are most at risk because their bodies are still developing. Because their bodies are still growing, their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the harmful effects of lead. Lead exposure can lead to serious harm to children such as brain damage, slowed growth, learning, behavior, hearing and speech problems. Adults exposed to lead may experience a wide range of symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, altered moods or behaviors, forgetfulness and increased blood pressure.
The CCHD would like to thank the partner agencies and individuals for their participation in the Take Steps for Lead Free Kids initiative. If your organization would like to participate, please contact Anna Powell at 716-753-4764.
The CCHD is also hosting a Learn about Lead Class where residents can learn about lead poisoning in our community, how to protect their family, share their story, and get their questions answered.
Learn about Lead Class: Monday, October 21, 2024 from 5:15-6:30pm
James Prendergast Library
509 Cherry Street in Jamestown
There is no cost to attend and refreshments will be provided. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by text to Lisa at 716-450-7435.
Resources:
- Answers to frequently asked questions about lead poisoning and prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/about/
- Symptoms of lead exposure: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/lead/signs-symptoms/index.html
- To learn more about the Chautauqua County Health Department’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program visit HealthyCHQ.com/Lead or contact Anna Powell at 716-753-4764.
About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health. The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness. For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.
