[Press Release] : ‘Cradle Your Baby From Lead Exposure’

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2007

CONTACT: Cindy Brengarth, RN
		 (573) 817-6440

‘Cradle Your Baby From Lead Exposure’
Columbia/Boone County Health Department highlights the importance of preventing lead poisoning in expecting mothers and children	
							
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable health problems for children today. Every year, approximately 310,000 children across the United States are at risk for lead poisoning. In 2005, over 2,100 Missouri children less than 6 years of age were identified with elevated blood lead levels (EBLs). However, countless children with EBLs go undetected because they are not tested.
	Lead affects nearly every system in the body. Some health effects may include: learning disabilities; behavior disorders; lowered IQ; development delay; slowed growth; hearing loss; and hyperactivity. Lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, and some symptoms are the same as those of more common illnesses. To test for lead poisoning, ask your healthcare provider to give you, if you are pregnant, and your children who are age 6 and under a blood lead test.
	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 breathe in or swallow lead dust and paint chips. Children may also be exposed to lead through vinyl mini blinds made outside the U.S., home or folk remedies such as Azarcon and Greta, calcium supplements, imported food and candy, eating or mouthing non-food objects, living in a current or historical lead smelting area, playing in contaminated bare soil, or living with someone who works with or has hobbies using lead.
	Lead poisoning can even begin before a child is born. A woman can be exposed to lead in many of the same ways a child can. A pregnant woman who has lead in her body can pass it to her unborn baby. This puts the baby at risk for lead poisoning.
	To eliminate lead poisoning, the Columbia/Boone County Health Department is participating in the statewide “Cradle Your Baby From Lead Exposure” campaign during the week of Jan. 28 to Feb. 3. The Columbia/Boone County Health Department will offer lead testing for a fee of $15 to all pregnant women (this service is also covered by Medicaid).
	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.  
	For more information, call the Columbia/Boone County Health Department at (573) 874-7356. For general information about lead poisoning or checking your home for lead hazards, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Web site at www.dhss.mo.gov/ChildhoodLead/.	


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