Get the facts about the hazards of lead as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is observed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Steven McDaniel
(334) 206-5373

The Alabama Department of Public Health is participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 24-30, 2021. The Alabama Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (ACLPPP) is a state public health program that focuses efforts on identifying and preventing lead exposure in children, especially those less than 6 years of age, because no safe level of lead in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect health, causing damage to the brain and nervous system, delayed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, as well as hearing and speech problems.

The Alabama Lead Contractors Certification Program is a statewide program authorized by Alabama law. This law and state Board of Health regulations established the procedures for certification of contractors or firms that perform lead-based paint inspections, risk assessments, abatement, and renovation activities in target housing (pre-1978) and child-occupied facilities.

The program consists of Lead Hazard Reduction Contractor Certification (Abatement) and Alabama Lead Renovation Contractor Certification. This program also requires that all persons engaged in lead-based paint activities (abatement or renovation) in target housing and child-occupied facilities be properly trained, that training programs are accredited, that firms are certified, and that all lead-based paint activities be performed by accredited individuals of certified firms according to the prescribed work practice standards contained in these rules.

Parents need to know that their child should be tested for blood lead at both 1 and 2 years of age. A child can be exposed to lead from common household sources such as paint in houses built before 1978, water from lead pipes and fixtures, hobby supplies such as fishing weights and bullets, and an adult's work clothes. Lead exposure can be prevented with regular handwashing especially after playing and before meals, a healthy low-fat diet high in calcium and iron, and cleaning floors and windowsills at least twice a week with a damp mop or cloth to remove lead dust.

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet in 2018, more than 300 children in Alabama under the age of 6 were identified with blood lead levels at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends public health actions be initiated.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is the time to:

• Get the Facts: Find out about the hazards of lead.
• Get Your Child Tested: A simple blood test can detect lead. Consult your health care provider for advice on testing your children.
• Get Your Home Tested: Find out how to minimize risks of lead exposure by hiring a certified professional to test older homes for lead.
• Hire lead certified contractor to address any lead hazards found.

For more information, go to alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp and alabamapublichealth.gov/lead.

County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama's health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.

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10/26/2021

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 910, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 206-5300 | Fax: (334) 206-5520

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