National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 22-28
Exposure to lead can cause serious harm to the brain, nervous system, and reproductive system. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to lead dust exposure. During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), October 22-28, Harris County Public Health’s (HCPH) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LPP) continues to educate and raise awareness about childhood lead poisoning. Through the Lead Abatement Program, HCPH also works to provide lead-free housing for residents in Harris County homes built before 1978.
NLPPW is an annual event that aims to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to increase awareness about lead poisoning prevention and reduce childhood exposure to lead. NLPPW emphasizes how parents can minimize their children’s exposure to lead in their surroundings and prevent its dangerous health effects.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can cause negative health effects. Lead exposure can occur through ingesting lead chips, consuming contaminated food or water, and inhaling lead dust. It can also be harmful to the babies of parents who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even low levels of lead can negatively impact children’s intellect, concentration, and academic performance. It can result in developmental and growth delays, hearing and speech problems, difficulty learning and paying attention, serious illnesses, and even death.
Although the United States has made considerable progress in reducing lead exposure over the past 40 years, there are still significant disparities in lead exposure among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. African American children and children from low-income households typically have higher blood lead levels than non-Hispanic white children and children from higher-income households. Older houses and homes in low-income areas may have lead-based paint and plumbing fixtures containing lead due to the use of lead in paint before 1978.
These are actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent lead exposure:
- Primary prevention – removing lead hazards from the environment before a child is exposed. It is the most effective way to ensure that children do not experience harmful long-term effects of lead exposure.
- Secondary prevention – includes blood lead testing and follow-up care and referral if needed. This method identifies care is necessary for children who may already be exposed to lead.
A blood test is the most reliable method to detect if a child has been exposed to lead. It is important to note that most children with lead in their blood do not show any noticeable symptoms.
LPP is dedicated to reducing lead poisoning in Harris County through primary and secondary prevention measures. The program educates the community on the sources and dangers of lead exposure to address lead toxicity. It also provides lead tests to at-risk individuals, including pregnant persons and children under six. Services are available in communities throughout Harris County and in four Harris County WIC facilities (Baytown, Humble, Fallbrook, and Bear Creek), which serve low-income and Medicaid-enrolled families. The program also partners with schools and community partners around Harris County to provide mobile testing.
HCPH’s Lead Abatement Program works to mitigate health risks for Harris County families by making homes built before 1978 lead-safe. The Lead Abatement Program aims to reduce exposure to lead poisoning by providing free lead inspections and remediation of lead hazards to qualified Harris County residents.
Lead poisoning is preventable! Contact your healthcare provider and ask for your child to be tested. For more information about protecting your family this NLPPW, visit the CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention page.
For eligibility or to schedule a lead test through HCPH’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, call (713) 274-8500. To see if your home qualifies through HCPH’s Lead Abatement Program, call (713) 274-6374.