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Nationwide Campaign for Lead-Free Families Begins October 21

Release Date: 10/23/2001
Contact Information: Joan Schafer, (215) 814-5143 & Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – Now that the colder weather is approaching, children will be spending more time indoors, where they may be at an increased risk from lead poisoning. That’s why the week of October 21 is an appropriate time to kick-off a nationwide campaign for lead-free families.

As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Philadelphia Health Department are raising awareness about lead poisoning through health fairs, lead tests for families and children, and outreach and educational events geared toward property owners.

The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in residential properties in 1978 because of health concerns. But, thousands of children each year are still exposed to lead in older homes with lead paint hazards. These hazards can include lead dust from renovations or deteriorated lead paint.

Children who are lead-poisoned often suffer from learning disabilities, brain and central nervous system damage, and other physical effects. Children are easily exposed to lead because they play on the floor or ground and put things in their mouth, swallowing or inhaling lead dust.

EPA encourages families to get their children tested for lead (see enclosed list of blood screening locations). In addition, the EPA recommends that when you are renovating or remodeling your home, you hire a professional to remove lead-based paint. Painting, home improvement, and maintenance work in older homes can endanger children when not performed properly.

EPA also stresses that landlords learn their responsibilities and renters know their rights regarding lead hazards in the home.

For more information on activities in your area, contact the Philadelphia health department at 215-685-2788 or the EPA mid-Atlantic regional office at 215-814-3150.

Additional information on lead exposure or regulations are available through the EPA lead hotline at 800-424-LEAD and on the internet at: https://www.epa.gov/lead/ .

Health Center #2 1720 S. Broad Street (215) 685-1803	Health Center #3 555 S. 43rd St. (215) 685-7500
Health Center #4 4400 Haverford Avenue (215) 685-7600	Health Center #5 1920 N. 20th St. (215) 685-2933
Health Center #6 321 W. Girard Avenue (215) 685-3803	Health Center #9 131 East Chelten Avenue (215) 685-2253
Health Center #10 2230 Cottman Ave. (215) 685-0639	Health Center #11 2840 Dauphin St. (215) 685-2424

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