The Mississippi State Department of Health is using National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week as an opportunity to highlight the importance of getting children and homes tested for toxic metals.
“There is no safe blood lead level in children,” a release from the state agency reads.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week runs from Oct. 25-31.
Although the phrase “elevated blood lead level” has been used in the past to identify children with more lead in their blood than most, there is no acceptable level, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even low levels are linked to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems, experts warn.
Between 2021 and 2024, 1,136 Mississippi children had lead detected in their blood. Children can be exposed to lead from several sources but are at higher risk if they live in older homes that contain lead in pipes and mini-blinds or have peeling paint. Other sources of lead include:
- Soil, dust, tap water, lead-based paint
- Electrical cords, garden hoses, outside water faucets
- Keys, batteries, metal jewelry
Healthcare officials warn that children could be at risk long before parents see symptoms, including learning problems, growth failure, behavior disorders, seizures, irritability, developmental delays, and hearing loss. The effects of lead exposure are irreversible, so preventing exposure is crucial.
To reduce lead exposure in children, the state health department recommends the following:
- Know when your home was built. Lead-based paint was used in many homes built before 1978.
- Have your home checked for lead before you remodel. Do not scrape or sand lead-based paint.
- Don’t let children eat paint chips, dust, or dirt; keep them away from windowsills, steps, and porches in old homes.
- If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
- Clean floors, window frames, windowsills and other surfaces weekly.
- Wash children’s hands, toys, pacifiers, and bottles often.
- Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead in soil.
- Make sure children get a diet high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C and frequent meals.
Families can learn more about arranging a screening by contacting a primary care provider or the Mississippi Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program at (601) 576-7447 or here.