The Schuyler County Legislature designated October 23 through October 29 as Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to raise awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning and to encourage parents and guardians to get their children tested for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2.
“Lead poisoning is especially dangerous for young kids because their growing bodies absorb four to five times more lead than adults,” warned Schuyler County Public Health Director Jill Kasprzyk. “It can cause brain damage, slow growth and development, lead to learning and behavior problems, and more.”
“It is very important that parents and guardians remember that ‘at ages one and two, testing for lead is what to do!’” Kasprzyk continued. “If lead poisoning is caught early, the source of the lead poisoning can be identified and removed, and kids can get treatment if they need it.”
Learn more about childhood lead poisoning prevention by visiting CDC.gov/lead. Learn more about lead poisoning – and tips to prevent it – by following Schuyler County Public Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.