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Washington State Dept. of Health: Proper Diet and Hygiene Can Reduce Risk of Lead Poisoning |
SourcePR NEWSWIREForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesLead Threats Lessen, But Mugs Pose ProblemCPSC Finds Lead Poisoning Hazard for Young Children in Imported Vinyl Miniblinds Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
OLYMPIA, Wash., June 26, 1996 -- The following was released today by the Washington State Department of Health: Recent news about imported vinyl miniblinds has renewed concern about the health risks from lead exposure. There have been no confirmed reports in Washington of health problems from miniblinds. The most common source of lead poisoning among children in Washington is lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978. Children age six and under are at greatest risk because they have small bodies and frequent hand-to-mouth contact. "We believe there is some lead-based paint in about 1.6 million older homes," said Lew Kittle, environmental health specialist at the Department of Health. "The most serious hazard occurs when paint peels, chips, chalks or cracks and young children chew these surfaces.' Kittle warned that lead may also contaminate dust and be ingested when dirty hands or other non-food items come in contact with the mouth. "Proper nutrition and hygiene can help protect children from lead exposure," said Kittle. "Diets high in calcium and iron act as lead blockers. Washing the hands and face of a child before meals can reduce risk." To eliminate risk from lead-based paint, cover it with a lead-free paint or remove it using a water-based paint remover. Do not sand, scrape or use a heat gun to remove lead-based paint because the dust and fumes have high levels of toxic lead. "While lead poisoning is a totally preventable disease, many people are not aware of the problem or its potential consequences to small children," Kittle said. "Long-term exposure to even low concentrations of lead can cause irreversible learning difficulties, mental retardation, and delayed physical and neurological development." CONTACT: Linda Waring of the Washington State Department of Health, 360-753-3237 NOTE TO EDITORS: For information about lead poisoning, contact LBW Kittle, state Department of Health, 360-753-3855. |
