Last year, thousands of Illinois children were poisoned by Lead. Dozens of these kids were in Adams, Brown, Pike, and Schuyler Counties.  Illinois has one on the highest incident rates for childhood Lead Poisoning in the country.   Lead may cause learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavior problems, lower intelligence, stunted growth, and hearing loss.   We can make a difference. We can make lead history.

     In the past few months, millions of toys have been recalled because of dangerous levels of lead. The concern about these products is real, while lead in toys is indeed a risk, lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust and soil in and around older homes remains the leading cause of lead exposure in the U.S.      

     Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978; however, homes built before then may still contain lead paint hazards. Of particular concern are tiny dust particles created by the sanding and scraping during renovation, remolding and painting work done in a home with lead-based paint.  These activities can result in extremely high lead levels in a home. Worse yet, this dust can be unknowingly ingested or inhaled by small children and adults alike.  Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials offices is working through an EPA grant to educate people to “Be Lead Safe”.  Contact Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials for information about Lead Safety.

           

 

 

 

What is lead poisoning?

 

Lead poisoning is the presence of too much lead in the body. The most common preventable pediatric health problem in the United States today, it is caused by exposure to lead that is either eaten or breathed, in the form of dust. The body carries the lead in the blood to soft tissues and bones, where it can be stored for many years. Lead harms several organs, including the nervous system and kidneys.

 

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?

 

Lead poisoning has no obvious signs, and most children do not report any abnormal symptoms. Children with lead poisoning might exhibit stomachaches, decreased appetite, hyperactivity, sleeping problems or irritability. Because these early symptoms mimic other childhood problems, lead poisoning is sometimes mistaken for a cold or the flu. Later symptoms of lead poisoning may include vomiting, weight loss, dizziness and convulsions.

 

Symptoms of lead Poisoning

How can I tell if my child has lead poisoning?

The only way to diagnose lead poisoning is with a blood test. A doctor or nurse takes blood from a child’s finger or arm.  The blood sample is sent to a laboratory to find out how much lead it contains. A level of 10 mcg/dL or greater is considered unsafe.

 

What other problems can lead poisoning cause?

Lead poisoning is related to a number of serious health concerns. Blood lead levels as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) are associated with health problems. Lead-poisoned children are often iron-deficient and are less able to use essential nutrients, like vitamin D. They also may suffer from learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral

Problems, lowered intelligence, stunted growth and hearing loss. Coma and death can occur at higher lead levels. Some recent studies claim that childhood lead poisoning can contribute to problems later in life, such as academic failure, juvenile delinquency and high blood pressure.

 

*Did You Know*

·        Two Rivers has partnered with the EPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health to increase Lead Poisoning awareness

·        Two Rivers been involved in Home Rehab Projects since 1988

·        Two Rivers has 2 licensed Lead assessors on staff

·       Two Rivers Regional Council has Hepa Vacuums available for loan 

·       Two Rivers has free information on Lead Poisoning call  (217)-224-8171 ext 101

 

Hazardous Item Lead Recall

 

 

 

 

Illinois has one of the highest Lead Poisoning levels in the Country!

 

Illinois Department of Public Health Identifies High Risk Zip Codes for Lead Poisoning