The week of October 20 – 26 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Month. The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program would like to remind families to be “lead safe.” The majority of lead poisoning cases are from lead dust and peeling or chipped lead paint which goes from children’s hands right into their mouths. Most homes built before 1978 probably have some type of lead paint in them.

Home remodeling projects are also a common cause of lead poisoning as lead dust gets in carpet, curtains, clothing and even in the soil around the house. When working at home it’s important to avoid creating lead dust and to clean up very carefully so that lead dust does not remain in or around the home. A licensed contractor should know how to work carefully around lead. The public can contact the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to obtain more information on Lead Safe Remodeling/Renovations/Repairs.

Linda Burk, coordinator of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program stated, “Lead poisoning is still an issue in our society. Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick. The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is through a blood test.”

The HSA lead program, in conjunction with Stanislaus Child and Infant Care Association, is available to provide community education programs such as: Lead: The Invisible Poison. The presentation involves viewing a video along with displays of sources of lead poisoning and didactic interaction with the parents. At the same time the parent presentation is taking place, children can have fun while they learn about proper hand washing with the HSA’s special Glitterbug Handwashing Machine.

The HSA lead program has also created two radio public service announcements that provide education and awareness of lead poisoning prevention. For more information on lead poisoning prevention call (209) 588-8858.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 10 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 500,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA also is in local partnerships for the MOMobile project and the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site www.hsahealth.org