10/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 15:23
PASADENA, Calif.- Pasadena Public Health Department's (PPHD) recognizes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Sunday, Oct. 20 to Saturday, Oct. 26, to raise local awareness and help protect children from lead exposure. Lead poisoning in children is largely avoidable by focusing on prevention, community education, and testing.
Children younger than 6 years old are more likely to be exposed to lead poisoning because they have a higher chance of placing objects such as toys and dirt in their mouths. Lead exposure can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. Children who experience these health issues may have lower IQs, decreased ability to pay attention, and underperform in school.
Any amount of lead exposure in a child is unsafe. A blood test is the best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning, since there are no initial visible signs or symptoms.
"Lead poisoning can be detrimental to young children's health and development," said Acting Health Officer, Dr. Parveen Kaur. "Parents and caregivers should ensure that their child's environment is free of lead, as well as talk to their child's health care provider about blood lead testing."
The risk of lead exposure is higher for children in neighborhoods with older housing or homes located near current or prior industrial sites. Families living in these neighborhoods experience a higher burden of lead exposure than other members of the community.
Tips to prevent lead poisoning:
Parents and caregivers of young children are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Testing for Lead Poisoning in Children website.
In California, children can be exposed to lead by:
For more information on preventing childhood lead poisoning, visit the CDC's Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning website.