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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2004

CONTACT: Donna Dudark
Senior Lab Analyst
(573) 874-7360

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week-Oct. 24-30
									
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - October 24-30 is National Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week.  This year's theme is "Shut the Door on Lead
Poisoning". The purpose of this week is to raise awareness of this
environmental public health issue and the importance of screening
at-risk children under the age of six.  
	During the week of Oct. 25-29, the Columbia/Boone County Health
Department will offer free blood lead tests for children ages 1-6 years.
Caretakers must call the Health Department to set up an appointment in
order to get their children tested.
	According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services, there are more than 3,000 children under the age of six
identified with an elevated blood lead level each year. Education is a
key factor in keeping our children lead free. Children younger than 6
years old are at the greatest risk. This is the age where they are
likely to pick up lead dirt and dust on their hands and then put their
fingers into their mouths. 
	Frequent hand washing before eating and after playing outside is
recommended. Children should be kept away from areas of chipping and
flaking paint. A diet rich in calcium, iron and protein will decrease
their body's absorption of lead. Also, dust should be kept to a
minimum in the house. Floors, windowsills, blinds and walls should be
dusted with a wet mop or a wet cloth. Most importantly, children should
be tested for lead. This is the only way to know if a child has lead
poisoning.
	For more information about childhood lead poisoning, contact the
Columbia/Boone County Health Department at (573) 874-7360, your
physician or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at
(573) 526-4911.


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