In Arizona, more than 800 children each year are identified with elevated blood lead levels. Even at low blood lead levels, children’s intelligence, behavior, hearing and growth can be irreparably damaged.
To increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued a proclamation to kick off Arizona’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 25-31. We join a national effort along with CDC, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to spread the word about this preventable threat to our kids.
Young children are most at risk because they are still developing, put everything in their mouths, and absorb lead easily. All children living in high risk zip codes should receive a blood lead test by their health care provider at 12 and 24 months of age.
The ADHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is focused on three key messages this year:
- Know if you live in a high risk zip code.
- Get your child tested at ages 1 and 2.
- Be aware of sources, it’s not just paint.
Interested in participating? Share and like Facebook posts and retweet posts with #LPPW2015 #LeadFreeKids. Read more about lead poisoning prevention on our website at azdhs.gov/lead.
