Here is Renee's interview with Rodney Delgado, Sanitorian, Department of Health for Meriden.
He shares great information about lead poisoning and how to prevent it in your home.
Listen here:
Childhood Lead Poisoning is the most common pediatric environmental public health problem, yet it is 100% preventable. The most common source of childhood lead poisoning is lead paint found in houses built before 1978, however there are other sources too.
Once lead gets into a child’s body it can hurt the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Lead poisoning causes slow growth, slow development, difficulty learning, and behavioral problems. Young children absorb lead more easily than adults. Young children also put their hands and toys in their mouths. If there is lead dust in the home or yard, the children will swallow the dust on their hands and toys. Unfortunately, the harm done by lead may never go away.
Connecticut law requires children under 6 years of age to be tested for lead by their medical provider. Testing children is the only way to know if a child is lead poisoned. Be sure to talk to your medical provider about testing your child.
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