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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2005

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

PUT A LID ON LEAD
7th National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week highlights importance of
preventing childhood lead poisoning

	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Every year, approximately 310,000 children
across the United States and 2,700 children in Missouri are lead
poisoned. The most common way children are lead poisoned is from
exposure to lead paint, which is commonly found in homes built before
1978. Disturbing the lead paint allows dust to settle on toys,
windowsills and floors. Children can then easily swallow bits of dust
and paint chips.  
	Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body. Lead
poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms. The only way to test
for lead poisoning is by asking your health care provider for a blood
lead test. 
	The Columbia/Boone County Health Department offers these blood
lead tests, in addition to information on ways to prevent lead poisoning
among young children.
Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem
in the United States, and it is entirely preventable. Do your part by
preventing children's exposure to
lead hazards among your family and your community. Together we can put
the lid on lead!
	For more information on the childhood lead poisoning prevention,
call Donna Dudark at the Columbia/Boone County Health Department at
(573) 874-7360. For general information about lead poisoning or testing
your home for lead hazards, contact the National Lead Information Center
at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323), or visit www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead.

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