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Discover the Rewards of Lead-Safe Living

Release Date: 10/16/2002
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The week of October 20-26 has been designated as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging parents and property-owners to discover the Rewards of Lead-Safe Living by testing children for lead poisoning or checking homes for lead hazards.

The EPA and the Philadelphia Health Department, along with other community organizations, are raising awareness about lead poisoning through health fairs, free lead testing for children, and outreach and educational events.

While childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the United States, the good news is that is it entirely preventable.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has identified lead poisoning as one of the most common toxicological hazards facing young children in the U.S. Most homes built before 1978 have paint with lead, and children living in these homes are at risk for ingesting or absorbing lead from paint dust, tap water, or the soil. But lead poisoning can be prevented – if tenants and parents know what danger signs to look for, and how to reduce or eliminate lead poisoning.

Children who are lead-poisoned often suffer from learning disabilities, brain and central nervous system damage, and other physical effects.

EPA encourages families to get their children tested for lead. In addition, the EPA recommends that when you are renovating or remodeling your home, you hire a professional to remove lead-based paint. Painting, home improvement, and maintenance work in older homes can endanger children when not performed properly.

Protect your children and ask your healthcare provider for a blood-lead test.

If you own your home, contact the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD for information on how to find certified professionals to test for lead.

If you are a tenant, talk with your landlord about having your residence tested.

Do your part by getting your child and home tested for lead. Discover the rewards by providing your child with a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and grow.

For more information on free lead testing, contact the Philadelphia Health lead hotline at 215-685-2788 or the EPA mid-Atlantic regional office at 215-814-3107. Additional information on lead exposure or regulations are available on the internet at: https://www.epa.gov/lead