Lead poisoning remains a serious health threat to children, with long-term effects on their development and well-being. The Lenawee County Health Department is committed to protecting families and equipping them with the knowledge and resources to prevent and address lead exposure. Here’s what you need to know about preventing lead poisoning and how we’re here to help.
Understanding Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause significant health problems, particularly in children under six, whose brains and nervous systems are still developing.
Common sources of lead exposure include:
- Lead-based paint in homes built before 1978.
- Lead-contaminated dust in older buildings.
- Soil contaminated by lead from gasoline or industrial sources.
- Drinking water from lead pipes or fixtures.
- Certain toys, jewelry, and household items.
Prevention: Protecting Your Family
Preventing lead exposure is the most effective way to protect children. Follow these tips to reduce the risk:
- Maintain Your Home Safely
- Regularly inspect your home for peeling or chipping paint and safely remove it using lead-safe practices.
- Clean surfaces like windowsills and floors frequently with damp cloths to reduce lead dust.
- Test Your Water
- Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. Let the tap run for a few minutes before use to flush out lead.
- Consider testing your home’s water for lead and installing filters certified to remove lead.
- Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash children’s hands, bottles, and toys frequently to prevent ingestion of lead dust.
- Ensure shoes are removed at the door to avoid bringing lead-contaminated soil inside.
- Be Informed About Potential Sources
- Check for recalls on toys, jewelry, or household items that may contain lead.
- Be cautious with older furniture, pottery, or cosmetics that may have lead components.
Treatment and Support Services
If a child’s venous blood lead level exceeds 5 µg/dL, immediate action is essential. The Lenawee County Health Department provides support and resources to families, landlords, and community groups:
- Home Visits by Public Health Nurses
- Our nurses visit homes to evaluate potential lead exposure sources and educate families on prevention strategies.
- Community Presentations
- Public Health Nurses are available to speak to community groups about lead exposure, its health effects, and prevention techniques.
- Collaboration for Lead Abatement
- We partner with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Lead Safe Home Program to offer home assessments and lead abatement services. If you need financial support for lead abatement, the Michigan Saves Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund offers loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 for homeowners and landlords.
At the Lenawee County Health Department, we care deeply about the health and safety of your family. Protecting our children from lead poisoning is a shared responsibility, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need advice, resources, or direct assistance, our team is ready to help.
For assistance, call the Lenawee County Health Department at 517-264-5226 or lenaweehd@lenawee.mi.us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support or more information.