By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
Recently I received a notification from the state Department of Public Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program that the local health departments will soon be receiving limited funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to support the response to lead poisoning among children.
According to their website, the mission of the CT DPH Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program is to protect the health and safety of the people of Connecticut by promoting wellness through education and various of program activities specifically related to childhood lead poisoning prevention.
Childhood lead poisoning is a very common pediatric public health problem, yet it is entirely preventable. Let’s not forget that in the Flint, Michigan tragedy in which so many children had lead poisoning was due to a contaminated water supply.
Lead poisoning in children can lead to irreversible damage by impacting the nervous system and subsequently leading to reduced IQ, behavioral problems and learning disabilities, among other health outcomes.
While lead paint in homes built before 1978 continues to be the most common source of lead exposure, there are other sources of lead that can poison a child or adult. Lead paint can be on any painted surface in your home, like doors, windows and porches. It can also cause lead dust from painted surfaces that are chipping and peeling. Sanding and scraping old paint when repainting or remodeling can also cause a lead dust problem.
Old paint that has fallen off the outside of your house onto the ground may leave lead in the soil. Lead can also be found in ceramic dishes, crystal, food cans from outside the US, water pipes, solder and fittings and some cosmetics and home remedies.
Finally, some jobs and hobbies can expose both children and adults to lead. Some examples are painters, house remodelers, plumbers, mechanics, bridge workers and jewelers.
Universal blood lead screening is mandated in Connecticut for all children between the ages of 9 months and 35 months.
Remember, no amount of lead is safe for the body. Those households in Orange that are receiving well water should get their water tested. If you have any questions, please refer to state’s DPH website or call the Orange Health Department.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.