The Frederick County Health Department would like to announce to the community that October 21 through 27, 2012 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The estimate is based on children with a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher using data from national surveys conducted in 2007-2008 and 2009-2010. Major sources of lead exposure to U.S. children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Children can also be exposed to lead from additional sources including contaminated drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace, and lead in soil.

Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable. According to Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Robert M. Summers "Maryland has made significant gains to protect our children…. But we must do more. Childhood lead poisoning can occur in any housing built before 1978." To increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, the Frederick County Health Department, along with CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 21-27.

This year's NLPPW theme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.

In observance of NLPPW, events such as state proclamations, free screenings, lead-awareness community events, and educational campaigns will be conducted nationwide.

· Lead safety information has been and will continue to be distributed at community health events in the Frederick area.

· A lead safety display is available to view in the lobby of the Frederick County Health Department at 350 Montevue Lane.

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:

1. Get your Home Tested: Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.

2. Get your Child Tested: Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.

3. Get the Facts! : Frederick County Health department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning. Contact Lynne Phillips, RN at 301-600-3379 or visit us at our web page: http://frederickcountymd.gov.

For even more information, call 1-800-424-LEAD.