Lincoln and Lancaster County officials on Wednesday kicked-off the Lead Safe Lincoln to reduce the risk of lead exposure in children through expanded testing and the identification and removal of lead hazards in homes.
“Today, we are announcing a team approach to prevent lead exposure in our community and keep our children and families safe,” says Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. “The Lead Safe Lincoln initiative is a partnership among key city and county agencies and our medical community that will result in a healthier future for our residents.”
As part of the program, the health department will offer lead testing services through its onsite public health clinic beginning July 5. It will also expand testing for children ages 1 through 4 who participate in the WIC public health nutrition program. The starting date for testing that age group will be announced this summer.
The health department encourages parents and guardians to contact their child’s healthcare provider for lead testing. Health Director Pat Lopez says that of the 3,000 children ages 1 through 6 tested for lead in the community each year, elevated blood lead levels are detected in more than 100 children annually, and there are many more children who should be tested.
“Protecting children from lead is important to a lifetime of good health,” Lopez says. “Lead poisoning is preventable, and the Health Department is collaborating with partners to increase testing of children in our community.”
Typically, a child’s elevated blood lead levels are caused by an exposure related to the home environment. Lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the most common and hazardous sources for lead in children. Lead-based paint is found in many homes built before 1978. The paint chips as it breaks down, creating lead dust that can contaminate the home and get on children’s hands, toys, bottles, and other objects.