This National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Schuyler County Public Health is raising awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning and encouraging parents and guardians to get their children tested for lead at ages 1 and 2.
“Lead poisoning is especially dangerous for young kids because their growing bodies absorb four to five times more lead than adults,” warned Deputy Public Health Director Lorelei Wagner. “It can cause brain damage, slow growth and development, lead to learning and behavior problems, and more.”
Lead is a toxic metal used to make certain products and materials. Common places lead can be found include old paint, soil, water pipes, and some toys and jewelry. Lead often enters children’s bodies when they put their hands, toys, or other items covered with lead dust into their mouths. No amount of lead exposure is safe, and most children will not show symptoms if they’ve been exposed.
“It is very important that parents and guardians have their children tested for lead at ages one and two” Wagner continued. “If lead poisoning is caught early, the source of the lead poisoning can be identified and removed, and kids can get treatment if they need it.”
While the effects of lead poisoning are permanent, lead exposure can be found through early testing before long-term damage sets in.