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RSSLead Poisoning Prevention
The Chicago Department of Public Health has expanded its Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to incorporate other aspects that affect the safety of a home and its residents. The Healthy Homes Objective has been started to give homeowners and parents information on other common household problems and how to prevent and/or eliminate them. Pest management, radon, carbon monoxide poisoning, are several components that are addressed through the Healthy Homes program. These issues, along with lead poisoning, are focused on so that the overall quality of living in the home and the health of children is improved greatly.
More About Lead Poisoning
Childhood lead poisoning is a serious but preventable health condition. Despite dramatic decreases in the number of children who are lead-poisoned, some 1,000 children in Chicago were diagnosed with lead-poisoning last year. Nearly a quarter of a million children living in the United States have blood lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health.
The main sources of exposure to lead are lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust. Other sources can include soil, water, and certain kinds of candies, jewelry, toys, cookware, cosmetics and traditional home remedies.
Parents are encouraged to speak to their child’s health care provider to have their child regularly screened for lead poisoning.
CDPH monitors over 100,000 children for lead poisoning annually and provides education to families of lead poisoned children. CDPH also inspects and works to abate the lead hazards in their homes.
For assistance in finding a provider, to get your child tested, or if you are concerned your home has lead, call the CDPH Lead Hotline at (312) 747 – LEAD (5323).
Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:
- Get your Home Tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
- Get your Child Tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
- Get the Facts! Contact CDPH for helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning by calling the Lead Hotline at 312-747-LEAD.
- Click here to learn more about the City's Lead Abatement Assistance.
