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Lead & Children Action Week October 28- 31, 2007 |
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How much do you know about the issues of lead hazards and lead poisoning? The following questions will help you decide. 1. What are the most likely health consequences of
lead poisoning for young children? (scroll down to see the answers)
Answers to Pretest: |
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1.)
2.) Children ingest lead dust from deteriorating lead-based paint, found especially on hands, toys, and food. Hand-to-mouth behavior is typical of young children. Some children are exposed to lead through soils contaminated from past use of leaded-gasoline. 3.) Title X is the 1992 Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act. It represented an important philosophical change from a focus on removing lead paint from housing to emphasizing reduction of the hazard of lead exposure. Among the important regulations from this law is the Real Estate Disclosure Rule that requires notification of a potential or known lead hazard to buyers and renters of pre-1978 housing, and the Lead-Based Paint Pre-Renovation Information Rule that requires contractors to notify residents of a potential lead hazard if pre-1978 paint is being disturbed. Other regulations include the certification of Lead Risk Assessors, Paint Inspectors and Lead Abatement Contractors. 4.) 10 mcg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) of blood 5.) The body reacts to lead as it does other minerals. Therefore, if the diet is poor, more lead is absorbed into the system. On the other hand, a diet with adequate amounts of calcium and iron decreases the absorption of lead. A low-fat diet also decreases lead absorption. 6.) The 1986 house is unlikely to have any lead-based paint as the house was built after the 1978 ban. The 1972 house may have some lead paint. The 1903 house will probably have lead paint. 7.) Lead-based paint that is worn, deteriorating, damaged, or poorly maintained is more likely to create lead dust and thus be a hazard. Any lead-based paint disturbed during remodeling or renovation is also likely to create a hazard. 8.)
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Calendar of Events for Parents Children under about the age of 6 are at greatest risk from the hazards of lead. Young bodies are growing and developing, and lead exposure can interfere with mental and physical development. This “Calendar of Events” for Lead & Children Action Week can give parents of young children ideas about ways to reduce their child’s exposure to lead hazards.
Read the materials on this web site (www.healthyindoorair.org), under “Educator Resources: Lead in the Home” is a good beginning. Other information sources are: · Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home. This booklet is published by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to inform families about the hazards of lead. You can get a copy on-line at: http://www.hud.gov/lea/leadhelp.html or by calling the HUD office serving your state or region (this is usually listed in the government pages in your telephone book). Every family with young children should read this book! (Available in Spanish and other languages.) · National Lead Information Center, 1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036-5405; 800/424-LEAD [5323]; http://www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm. This Center operates an information hot-line for questions about lead (National Lead Information Clearinghouse), and provides many publications. Their website has a wealth of information and has links to many other organizations working on lead issues. Materials are available in Spanish. · Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning 227 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20002; 202/543-1147; http://www.aeclp.org. This organization provides information and publications.
Ask about the age of buildings where your child spends time on a regular basis. Buildings that were constructed before about 1978 could have lead-based paint. Buildings constructed before about 1950 are likely to have lead-based paint. Talk to the owners of the buildings. Ask about lead-based paint hazards. Have the buildings been tested for lead hazards? Are painted surfaces in good repair? Is there a maintenance plan in place to reduce the hazards of lead?
· Contact your local or state health department. Some of these agencies have special programs for children at risk of lead hazards. They may also refer you to another agency.
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Identify and locate lead inspectors or risk assessor in your
area. Besides
· Contact you local Cooperative Extension Office. Usually you can find this agency listed in your county government directory. Many Cooperative Extension offices can provide you with educational materials on lead hazards and may be able to refer you to local sources of further assistance.
Many experts recommend that all children should be tested for lead exposure, even if they are not at obvious risk for lead hazards. A blood test at 12 months will screen for lead exposure. More frequent testing is recommended for children at risk. Has your child been screened for lead exposure?
A healthy diet can reduce the risk of lead poisoning by limiting the amount of lead that is absorbed into the body. In particular, it is important that children at risk of lead exposure eat a diet that is high in calcium and iron, and low in fat. Milk and other dairy products, dark green vegetables, and whole grains are examples of foods that are beneficial to children at risk of lead hazards – in fact, all children! Your local Cooperative Extension office (see above) is a good source of information on healthy diets for children. |
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Lead and Lead
Hazards:
Introduction Another use of this information is to share it with someone whose child might be at risk of lead poisoning. Day care providers would find this information useful. The following topics are addressed:
Where Does Lead Come
From? There are numerous sources of lead in our environment. Lead does not decompose or rot, so it stays in place for a long time. Lead has been used in many materials throughout history. Today, for most children, the major source of lead is from lead contaminated dust. Most of this lead dust comes from old paint with lead or leaded gasoline. Lead-based paint has been banned since 1978, but many older homes still have this paint on walls, woodwork, siding, windows, and doors. As the paint wears, or is disturbed by renovations, it creates lead dust. Leaded gasoline is no longer allowed for most uses. However, much of the soil near busy roads is still contaminated from the past burning of leaded gasoline. This soil can get into our homes. There are many other possible sources of lead in the environment. While these other sources of lead are less common than paint or contaminated soil, they can be a problem in a particular location or home. These include industrial pollution, ceramics or pottery dishes with lead glazes (rare in the U.S. unless antique), hobby or art materials, lead soldered food cans (illegal in the U.S.), and folk medicines. Some older homes may have lead pipes or lead solder on plumbing pipes that can contaminate the water. In the United States, we have made great progress in reducing the lead in our environment, and protecting our children from lead poisoning. However, the battle is not won. There are almost a million preschool age children with elevated levels of lead in their blood – over 4% of all children in the U.S. Given the severe mental and physical consequences of even very small amounts of lead in a child’s body, we must continue the effort to eliminate lead poisoning.
Lead Hazards and Children Children face more serious risks from lead exposure than adults. Growing bodies are very sensitive to the effects of lead. In addition, childhood behaviors, such as hand-to-mouth activities, make it easy for lead to enter their bodies. Lead poisoning is a common pediatric health problem. It can affect children of all social classes in urban, suburban, or rural housing. The introduction of lead into a child’s body can severely harm brain and central nervous system functions. Often this damage does not produce immediate symptoms, so harmful lead exposure can go untreated. The result is impaired mental and physical development. Research has shown a relationship between high blood lead levels in children and lower IQ scores. Other effects, which may become permanent, include learning, behavioral, speech, and growth problems. Because of the health effects of lead poisoning, children may not reach their full potential. Lead poisoning has not just personal, but social consequences. Most disturbing is that lead poisoning is totally preventable! Lead poisoning is a very serious disease. Even low levels of lead may cause adverse health effects. Fortunately, this health hazard can be prevented by identifying the risks and taking actions designed to eliminate and reduce a child’s exposure. Identify potential sources of lead in a child’s environment and work to reduce or eliminate this hazard. Provide the child with a healthy diet, high in calcium and iron and low in fat, to minimize absorption of lead by the body. Further, test all children at the age of one year for elevated blood lead levels.
Screening Children for Lead Exposure Many experts recommend that all children should have a blood lead level test at the age of 12 months. Children in high-risk exposure groups should be tested as young as 6 months. Follow-up testing should occur at 24 months. Further testing may be needed if the risk continues. Children at particular risk for lead poisoning include those who:
A blood test can reveal recent lead exposure. Lead in blood is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL). If the amount of lead is at or above 10 µg/dL, there is concern that the child is being exposed to dangerous amounts of lead. An investigation of the child’s environment is necessary to find the sources of lead. High blood lead levels may require medical treatment.
Lead-based Paint and Lead Hazards Lead-based paint is the most common source of lead in the home, even though it was banned in 1978. Paint chips are a hazard if eaten. However, lead-based paint contributes to a more serious hazard – lead dust. Lead dust is easily inhaled or ingested, and is very difficult to identify. Lead dust may be scattered throughout the house, and can be found on toys, floors, play areas, soil, and food. Lead-based paint is found in many places in and around an older home. Examples include interior and exterior walls, ceilings, stairways, door and window trim, and baseboards. If surfaces that contain lead-based paint are in good condition, they are not likely to pose a hazard. However, all lead-based paint surfaces should be inspected regularly to look for signs of wear or disintegration. Any lead-painted surface that shows signs of deterioration can easily release lead into the environment. In particular, watch for hazardous conditions such as chipping, flaking, abrasion, and water damage. Any home renovation that disturbs lead-based paint can release very dangerous amounts of lead dust into the air in the home. Home remodeling is a frequent cause of lead poisoning in young children. Renovation work should proceed only when those performing the work are well aware of the hazards and knowledgeable about how to reduce the risk. If lead-based paint is a risk in the home, there are several ways to reduce the hazard. Lead abatement – removal of the paint – is costly and dangerous. Although it may be necessary, it should only be done by trained professionals. Sometimes, painted surfaces can be sealed with good quality paint or covered with another material. Good maintenance and housekeeping practices, especially wet cleaning to reduce dust, can help control the risk of lead dust.
Testing for Lead If your home was built before 1978, it could have lead-based paint. Older homes, such as those built before 1950, are more likely to have lead-based paint, and may have other source of lead, such as plumbing. Confirming the presence of lead is the first step to controlling the hazard of lead. If a painted surface is suspected of lead, have it tested. There are three ways used to test for lead in paint. Do-it-yourself test kits are available from home supply or hardware stores, or through catalogues. These typically use a swab that will change colors in the presence of lead. These kits only test the surface they contact, and the results may not be reliable. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis uses an instrument that looks something like a gun. The gun is aimed at the painted surface and the quantity of lead is measured without damage to the finish. When used by a licensed and trained professional, XRF analysis can be very accurate. However, it can be expensive. Laboratory analysis is a reliable method to test for lead. Typically, samples of paint are removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Commercial environmental testing laboratories can chemically evaluate samples for the presence of lead. Some health departments may offer this service. Removing the paint samples for testing will damage the surface. An alternative to removing paint samples is to use a damp wipe to dust painted surfaces, and then test the wipe for the presence of lead dust. Testing for lead can be complicated and expensive, but may be necessary. For example, if a child is diagnosed with lead poisoning, the source must be found. Lead Inspectors are licensed and trained professionals that can test a home for the presence of lead in your home. Risk Assessors are lead inspectors with further training to help you identify and reduce the overall hazards and risks of lead in your home.
Reducing the Risk of Lead in Your Home Lead abatement – removing the source of lead – will reduce the hazard of lead. However, the method can be costly. It is also dangerous. Lead abatement, if not done according to strict safety guidelines, can increase the amount of lead dust, and thus lead hazards, in the home. Lead abatement is a job for trained and licensed professionals. If lead abatement is not a reasonable option, there are other ways to reduce the hazard of lead in the home. Here are some ideas:
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News Release
Home Remodeling and
Lead Hazards October 22-28, 2006 is Children and Lead Week, and is part of a national educational promotion for healthy indoor air. During this week, (organization name) urges you to learn about keeping your children safe from the risk of lead poisoning. Lead-based paint, which was widely used in residences until the mid 1970s, is a common source of lead poisoning in children. Many houses built before about 1980, and most houses built before about 1950, contain lead-based paint. When this paint is disturbed through remodeling or renovation, lead dust is released into the home. This dust is easily ingested or inhaled by children, and can lead to lead poisoning. Any project that disturbs the paint in an older home should be carried out with great care. (expert’s name) of (organization’s name) recommends that you consider testing paint for the presence of lead, before beginning any renovation project. If lead is present, special precautions are needed to protect children in the home from the risks of lead poisoning. Children and pregnant women should never be around renovation or remodeling projects that create lead dust! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has developed guidelines for managing the risks of lead when doing home renovations. These guidelines include recommendations for containing the work area to minimize the spread of the lead dust, limiting the amount of lead dust produced, protecting the workers from lead hazards, and cleaning up during and after the work project. To learn more about safe practices for home renovations and remodeling when there is a risk of lead hazards, contact (expert’s name) at (phone or email) . You can also check the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) web site at http://www.hud.gov, or call your state or regional office of HUD, for more information about lead. |
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Tips for Educators What Are the Key Points? Lead, Health, and Children ü There is no known benefit of lead to the human body. ü Although any one exposed to lead is at risk of lead poisoning, the greatest risk is to young children under the age of about six years. The facts that young children are still growing and developing, their bodies are smaller, and hand-to-mouth behavior is typical, increase their risk. ü Exposure to lead can impair neurological development in young children. Among the outcomes are learning disabilities, lowered IQ, and behavior and discipline problems. ü Good nutrition can limit lead absorption in the body, and lower the risk of health problems. Recommend diets with adequate amounts of calcium and iron, and low in fat. ü Children under age six need a blood lead level test. Test children at the age of 12 months, and more frequently if they are at risk. ü Lead poisoning is diagnosed by an elevated blood lead level of 10 mg/dL (micrograms per deciliter). ü Wash children’s toys frequently. ü Teach children to reduce their risk of lead exposure: · Wash their hands before eating. · Leave their shoes at the door to reduce tracking of lead dust. · Stay away from damaged paint. · Do not put toys or items in their mouths.
Lead and Housing ü Lead dust is the greatest hazard for lead exposure. Lead dust comes primarily from deteriorating lead-based paint inside and outside the home. Other sources could be soil near busy roads (from past use of leaded gasoline) or industrial sources. ü Children are most likely exposed to lead by ingesting lead dust through teething, playing, eating, and other hand-to-mouth activities. ü Houses built before 1978 could have lead-based paint, and houses built before 1950 probably have lead-based paint. ü Lead-based that is paint in poor repair, damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed during remodeling or renovation will likely create a lead hazard. ü Do-it-yourself lead-based paint test kits can be used to screen for lead paint. Laboratory analysis of paint samples or x-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing is more accurate, and is recommended in cases of lead poisoning. ü Keeping painted surfaces in good repair reduces the lead hazard. ü Frequent damp mopping and cleaning reduces lead dust and thus the lead hazard. ü Lead-based paint removal can create serious lead hazards unless done by trained and certified professionals.
Ideas for Audiences The target audience for Children and Lead Week is families with children at risk for lead poisoning. Who are these children? While lead poisoning can occur almost anywhere, we do know who is more likely to be at risk: ü Children living in older housing, built before 1978, when most lead-based paint was removed from the market. ü Children living in housing built before 1950 when the use of lead-based paint was very common. ü Children living in poorly maintained older homes, with damaged paint. ü Children living in older homes with poor housekeeping and uncontrolled dust levels. ü Children living in older homes being remodeled or renovated, where lead paint is disturbed. ü Children spending regular time in a home with a lead hazard. ü Children under the age of six, when the developmental damage from lead poisoning is most critical. Any child can be at risk of lead poisoning. However, certain groups in society have a greater frequency of lead poisoning. ü Low-income children are more likely to have elevated blood lead levels when compared to other children. ü African-American children are more likely to have elevated blood lead levels than children of other, primarily white, races. ü An estimated 60% to 80% of children with elevated blood lead levels are Medicaid recipients, which indicates these children are usually members of limited-resource households. ü Children living in inner city, urban neighborhoods have a higher risk than children living in suburban or rural communities. An educational program for young children must first reach those responsible for their well being. Therefore, target parents, day care providers, grandparents, pre-school teachers, and others who care for young children.
Finding Families at Risk Here are some ideas of on-going programs
and activities with participants that need to know about the risks of lead
poisoning:
Help from the Community Some communities have local government agency or non–profit programs that address lead poisoning as part of their mission. Check with the local health department, social services, or community action agency to locate a program. In addition, there may be agencies and organizations that can help address lead poisoning issues as a partner or collaborator with Cooperative Extension. Here are some general ideas
of people and organizations that could collaborate with educators to reach
families at risk of lead poisoning:
Creating Community Awareness Building partnerships and collaborations to address lead poisoning can be successful as it broadens the base of people and organizations that are spreading the educational message. In addition, working with already established groups is effective because the audience base expands. Each person who learns about the risk of lead poisoning must be asked to tell someone else. Peers are an important influence in the acceptance of a message about risk and in motivation to action and behavior change. Another way to create community awareness
of lead hazards is repeatedly to get the message into the public arena.
Depending on the community, these methods can be useful:
Educational Activities Here are some ideas for delivering an educational program: ü Make a presentation to an established group, club, or organization (a teaching guide is available on this website). ü Conduct a public workshop or presentation. ü Train volunteers from various clubs or organizations, which will then make presentations to their groups. ü Train volunteers who will then meet individually or in small groups with at-risk families. ü Hold a news conference to announce the kick-off of your educational program. ü Prepare news releases and press announcements that tie lead hazard messages with current events or timely themes. There are materials that you can use for news releases on this website. ü Work with the local press to conduct a well-publicized lead risk assessment or inspection of a home in the community. ü Ask a local community leader to make a proclamation about a lead issue, such as screening young children for elevated blood lead levels. ü Hold a children’s art contest at a day care center, pre-school, elementary school, 4-H club, or scout troop. ü Provide children’s activity or coloring books. ü Distribute videotapes for loan through local businesses. ü Distribute point-of-purchase fliers or “bag stuffers” at grocery stores, home stores, and shopping centers. ü Prepare short articles that local businesses and other employers could put in employee newsletters. ü Prepare short information items that churches and synagogues could put in bulletins or newsletters. Continue the educational emphasis on lead hazard reduction beyond Lead & Children Action Week. Here are some ideas: ü A back-to-school theme in September is a time to talk about the effect of lead poisoning on learning abilities and school performance. ü Spring home repair and maintenance stories might include reminders of the hazard of disturbing lead paint in older homes. ü The Christmas holiday might suggest gifts related to lead, such as lead test kits or activity books for children. Lead poisoning prevention and hazard reduction education can be “piggy-backed” on other related educational programs. Here are some topics related to lead poisoning issues:ü Home buyer education. ü Home remodeling or renovation. ü Home maintenance and repair. ü Home care and cleaning. ü Home safety. ü Renting an apartment ü The healthy home ü Parenting young children. ü Nutrition for young children. ü Raising a healthy child. ü Healthy pregnancy
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Word Find Y X E H P B H B U F B K H L I H I M X A Q V M E P W N C J V G M K F U A S V O E N U C M M Y I Y A O K Y N Z C S S Z O E E K I A C I S L W O A J J E I X W E Y R O T A R O B A L S C D J P X P W K C R S M I C R O G R A M S W T M L Y D A T E J K N H O O P D S T V T N E B Q H N A M J L K E S C A X P S N R E E W W M X E M D J C M D A T A Q L N T C Y S O P H R G E I T K E N A P N O Z O X N E T W O W E P C R O A N G T P Q H P U W A D C O T A Q Q Y R S E K R U Y D S A H E P A Y D S Q M N S O Q X M N S H R N L Y U R H O M I S U F U M I E G J L Y T F A E C E F D T C P P G R Y K Q N A X N L O R Q U I G P H A N M R V B P S W W R F M N N A W X P G A N F M N A E A F H W U N N A E C U H G F M D R B Z B N N O N K B E Y F B Y P U B B G F A X N H B A L I Z C T L G A P L I M C Q P T M G T T U E W E O Y X O K S Z Q T P H C E S O A P T R K J U Q G O A Q R F F E L G E J Y I M T N I A P D E S A B D A E L D O H W E K M U J T X U C K A E I V N N T K F X O T Q D Q H E E S K M L O U Y A P A J O E O S N T E Z H A M M O N R K D L V X C E F D D S Y O I E X G A Y K O Y Z T K R S M O N M A T G T D S Z R G G F D A P O E Z X M L G U Q O O K V Q D D L I H C E S K D P L N G Z D D S D N W B O A F O Y S X K T G T T C F H A Z A R D T I A V D V R P B K A O J G V N L N U
ABATEMENT
ANALYSIS
ASSESSOR
BLOOD TEST
CALCIUM
CHILD
DUST
FLUORESCENCE
HAZARD
HEALTH
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
HEPA
INSPECTOR
LABORATORY
LEAD
LEAD-BASED PAINT
LOW FAT
MAINTENANCE
MICROGRAMS
MOP
POISON
RISK
VACUUM CLEANER
X-RAY
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Find Solution:Y X E H P B H B U F B K H L I H I M X A Q V M E P
W N C J V G M K F U A S V O E N U C M M Y I Y A O
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L N G Z D D S D N W B O A F O Y S X K T G T T C F H A Z A R D T I A V D V R P B K A O J G V N L N U (Over, Down, Direction)
ABATEMENT (4, 14, S)
ANALYSIS (19, 9, NW)
ASSESSOR (24, 10, N)
BLOOD TEST (23, 14, SW)
CALCIUM (12, 7, NE)
CHILD (20, 23, W)
DUST (4, 12, NE)
FLUORESCENCE (3, 12, N)
HAZARD (1, 25, E)
HEALTH (19, 15, SE)
HEALTH DEPARTMENT (16, 1, SW)
HEPA (8, 10, E)
INSPECTOR (15, 1, SE)
LABORATORY (12, 4, W)
LEAD (19, 7, NW)
LEAD-BASED PAINT (22, 18, W)
LOW FAT (20, 11, SW)
MAINTENANCE (14, 13, NE)
MICROGRAMS (1, 5, E)
MOP (20, 2, S)
POISON (25, 1, S)
RISK (19, 22, N)
VACUUM CLEANER (13, 23, NW)
X-RAY (19, 13, SE)
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Lowered IQ levels
October
22, 2006 Learn about the hazards of lead and where the risk
of exposure is the greatest. Being informed about the risks is an
important beginning to protecting the health of your child. 
Where
Does Lead Come From?
Lead
Hazards and Children
Screening
Children for Lead Exposure
Lead-based
Paint and Lead Hazards
Testing
for Lead
Reducing
the Risk of Lead in Your Home
“www.healthyindoorair.org” is a partnership program of the