Lead poisoning is one of the most prevalent and preventable environmental health hazards and is known to contribute to learning disabilities, developmental delays, and behavioral problems.  During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 20-26, 2019, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) wants to raise awareness about the danger of lead exposure and educate parents on how to reduce exposure to lead in their environment, prevent its serious health effects, and understand the importance of testing children. The level of Illinois childhood lead poisoning remains one of the highest in the nation.   In 2018, more than 12,000 children tested had blood lead levels greater than 5 µg/dL, the intervention level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and required by the Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (LPPA). Lead exposure can be significantly reduced by taking simple precautions around the house.  These include the following:

• Cleaning up paint chips and peeling paint

• Washing floors, counter tops, and window sills weekly with soap and water

• Using proper safety measures when renovating or remodeling your house, like spraying down painted surfaces with water before scraping or sanding, and using plastic sheeting to capture any debris generated

• Assuring that children and pregnant women do not enter a work area until renovations are complete and the area has been thoroughly cleaned
Washing a child’s hands, mouth and face, and toys often

For more information about lead poisoning prevention, visit the IDPH website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/lead-poisoning-prevention