The Peoria City/County Health Department proudly supports October 19-25 as “National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.” This year’s theme, “Let’s Wipe Out Lead Poisoning-Renovate Right” reflects our commitment to ensuring that homes are made lead-safe for children, especially during home renovations.
To increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, the Peoria City/County Health Department will participate in a health fair on Saturday, October 18, at Northwoods Mall, 2200 War Memorial Drive, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The event will include a lead display with information on screening, lead-safe renovations, and other ways to help prevent lead poisoning in children. Lead is a highly toxic metal that at one time was an ingredient in many household products, including lead-based paints manufactured before 1978. The primary source of lead exposure among
U.S. children is the lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust and soil found in and around old, deteriorating buildings.
Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered to be the most preventable environmental disease of young children, yet an estimated 310,000 U.S. children have elevated blood lead levels, with
Peoria County having one of the highest prevalence rates in the state of Illinois. High lead levels in children can cause a range of health problems, such as behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, headaches, nausea, and in some cases, death. A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning and help prevent a lifetime spoiled by the irreversible damage caused by lead poisoning.
As part of “National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week,” the Peoria City/County Health Department encourages people considering home renovations to take steps to reduce exposure to lead. Follow these guidelines to help keep your family safe from lead poisoning.
Smart Remodeling Checklist
Before the work begins
*Have your paint tested for lead by a qualified professional
*Cover interior and exterior exposed areas with plastic sheeting
*Turn off forced-air heating and air conditioning systems
During work
*Keep all non-workers outside of the work area
*Wear protective clothing and shoes while doing the work
*Use a properly fitted respirator equipped with HEPA filers
*Exercise caution when using paint strippers since they can contain toxic chemicals
*Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area
*Do not dry-sand, blast, or power-wash to remove lead-based paint
*Do not use high-temperature heat guns or open flames on lead-based paint
After work is completed
*Remove plastic sheeting by rolling or folding inward
*Wrap construction debris with plastic
*Vacuum exposed areas with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner
*Wash exposed areas with a general all-purpose cleaner or lead-specific cleaning product
*Change clothes and shoes before leaving the work area. Machine wash separately.
*Shower and wash your hair right after finishing work
*Test areas for lead dust contamination after final cleanup
For more information on lead poisoning, lead testing, and lead-safe home remodeling, call the Peoria City/County Health Department at 679-6131.