Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Date: October 19, 2009
Release Date: October 21,
2009 End Date: October 29, 2009
Contact: Sherry Taylor, R.N., B.S.N.
Public Health Nurse Coordinator
Genesee County Health Department
Phone: (810) 257-3833
Re: National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week,
October 25 – 31, 2009
In recognition of
National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, 2009, and
to raise awareness of this important public health issue, the Genesee County
Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition will sponsor free lead testing clinics
for children at two sites in Genesee County during this week. Children must
be less than six years of age and living in Genesee County.
Testing times and sites
are listed below:
CLINIC
HOURS 9:00AM – 12:00PM & 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Tuesday
10/27/09 - University of Michigan – Flint
Williams S. White bldg. – Tuscola Room
303 E. Kearsley Street,
Flint, 48503
Thursday
10/29/09 - Genesee County Health Department
McCree North Health Center
115 E. Pierson Road,
Flint, 48505
Lead poisoning has been
linked to violent crime, as well as lowered intelligence, learning
disabilities, and aggressive behavior. During Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week, the Genesee County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Coalition urges parents to have their children under six years of age tested
for lead poisoning. Young children may not show signs that they are lead
poisoned. A blood lead test is the only way to be certain that a child’s
health is not being harmed by lead. All children enrolled in a Medicaid
Health Plan are required to have a blood lead test at age one and two or at
least once between the ages of three and six if they have not previously
been tested. Other health insurance may pay for blood lead testing, and
free blood lead testing is available at the Genesee County Health Department
for those without insurance.
Children under age six
years old are most often poisoned by dust from lead paint in older homes,
especially those built before 1950. Lead dust is created by opening and
closing windows, and by remodeling or renovation. Lead dust settles on
floors and window sills, and is ingested when infants and toddlers put their
hands or toys into their mouths, as they so often do when they are exploring
their world.
There are 5 simple things
that can be done in any home to prevent lead poisoning:
1.
1.
Keep lead dust to a minimum. Keep floors and window
sills dust and dirt free by wet mopping with detergent.
2.
2.
Wash children’s hands, pacifiers and toys with soap and
water—frequently! Always wash children’s hands with soap and water before
each meal, and before bedtime.
3.
3.
Keep surfaces wet while sanding or scraping old paint.
4.
4. Feed young children healthy foods, rich in calcium and iron,
and low in fat, to prevent lead from being absorbed by their bodies.
5.
5. Have your home checked by a professional lead assessor to
determine the presence of lead paint and provide information on how to fix
the problem areas.
For more information
about childhood lead poisoning prevention contact the Genesee County Health
Department at (810) 257-3833 or visit
www.gchd.us
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