‘Lead-Free Kids’ theme of poisoning prevention week

Sunday kicks off National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and the state Department of Public Health is joining several federal agencies in commemorating the occasion.

Lead Poisoning Prevention week is dedicated to actions that address the health effects of lead exposure and increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention.

“This year’s NLPPW theme, Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future, highlights the importance of testing your child, developing an awareness of lead paint hazards in your home and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects,” said Krista Veneziano, supervisor of the DPH Lead, Radon and Healthy Homes Program, in a news release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health. The health impacts of lead poisoning include damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior difficulties and hearing and speech problems. Major sources of lead exposure to children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Lead paint use was banned in the United States in 1978.

Though lead poisoning in Connecticut’s children has decreased over the past 15 years — because of mandatory childhood screening and primary prevention efforts — the state’s housing stock is among the oldest in the country; many houses still contain lead paint. The state’s data show that black and Hispanic children in Connecticut have the greatest risk of being lead poisoned.

For more information, visit ct.gov/preventlead.