in the meantime National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23-29), Louisville Metro Public Health Department (LMPHW), Lead Safe LouisvilleDepartment of Public Health Informatics, University of Louisville, subway united way and other organizations are raising awareness about the dangers of lead poisoning and the precautions you can take to reduce the risk to you and your family.
Nick Hart, LMPHW’s Assistant Director of Environmental Health Programs, said: “Lead can have a devastating effect on humans, especially young children. It is a neurotoxin, and having a child with lead poisoning is the same as experiencing a traumatic brain injury.”
“We know that children are directly harmed by environmental lead left in their homes and communities. No,” said Brian Ginn, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Informatics at the University of Louisville. “If we are a city that cares about environmental justice, we should work towards ending lead poisoning among children.”
Lead can be detrimental to a child’s growth, behavior and learning ability. According to the CDC, the amount of lead in the body is not safe. Children under the age of 6 are most at risk of developing health problems from lead exposure. Pregnant people are also affected by lead, which can affect the fetus and cause problems such as premature birth, low birth weight, learning and behavior problems, and even miscarriage and stillbirth.
L.Ead can enter the body when someone inhales or ingests lead-contaminated paint, dust, dirt, or particles in drinking water. Prior to 1978, lead-based paints were frequently used in homes. Many Jefferson County homes built before 1978 still have old lead paint.
“Lead Safe Louisville’s mission is to remove lead paint from families’ homes so that children can live in healthy environments,” said Gertjan, housing program supervisor for Louisville Metro’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Wijburg said. “The program is aimed at low-income households who live in pre-1978 homes and have children under the age of 6 living in or frequently visiting the home. If you have or suspect you have lead paint in your home, call the Department of Housing and Community Development at (502) 574-5850 to make sure your home is lead-free. please.”
In the United States, approximately 3.3 million households with children under the age of 6 are at risk of lead exposure, including 2.1 million low-income households. From 2005 to 2021, about 10,000 children in Jefferson County tested positive for elevated blood lead levels, according to Louisville Metro data.
“Today, when you look at historic neighborhoods in Louisville, especially those in the northwest corner, you can see that the paint is deteriorating and exposing large amounts of lead,” Hart said. “In fact, a child who lives in that area is probably 10 times more likely to experience lead poisoning in his life.”
Adria Johnson, President and CEO of Metro United Way, said: “We cannot stand by when known and pernicious risks threaten the well-being and future of our children, especially when proven solutions exist. Strong programs and innovative policies in our communities Planning must work together to protect children from lead poisoning and the lifelong effects of exposure.”
Regular testing is the best way to know if you or your child have been exposed to lead. Ask your doctor for a lead test. If lead is detected, contact Public Health and Wellness at 502-574-6644. Health departments can help determine where exposures are coming from and implement environmental interventions.
Below are additional steps you can take to prevent lead poisoning.
- Keep dust down by cleaning frequently with a damp mop or sponge.
- Wash your hands and toys frequently.
- Watch out for flaking paint inside and outside your home or apartment to which your child may be exposed.
- Wipe off your shoes before entering the house.
- Eat a healthy diet. Children absorb less lead when they eat foods that are low in fat and high in iron.
- Find out if Louisville Water has a record of lead pipes on your property, visit louisvillewater.com or call 502-569-0897 to learn how to request a free water test. Drinking water in Louisville is lead-free when it leaves the treatment plant. The risk of lead contamination in drinking water comes from pipes and plumbing. The Louisville Water Company has replaced all known lead service lines, but there may be lead pipes and plumbing on customer premises.
For more information on lead poisoning and precautions, call 502-574-6644, email [email protected] or visit stopleadlou.comTo see if you are eligible for Lead Safe Louisville assistance, check the eligibility criteria online at louisvilleky.gov or call 502-574-5850.
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About the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is a nationally accredited independent health authority committed to achieving health equity and improving the health and well-being of all Louisville residents and visitors. Academic health department.
About Housing and Community Development Division
The Department of Housing and Community Development recognizes that healthy cities depend on healthy neighborhoods. Improve the vibrancy, safety and value of existing neighborhoods by reducing the number of vacant and abandoned properties, increasing the supply of affordable housing, and making home ownership accessible to low- to moderate-income earners. and make Louisville a better place. It’s all about living and working.
