Sen. Barb Goodwin
U.S. Senate
650 Sullivan LN NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
VOTE YES ON S.RES.650.ATS: National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
The proposed national prevention week will help educate the public on lead poisoning in children and teach people about prevention. By designating one week to prevention of lead poisoning, this bill ensures that the public will be aware of this issue and take action against it. As a current Health Education student from Minnesota, I believe that there should be a week each year designated to childhood lead poisoning. This will keep the public aware of the issue so that steps can be taken to eliminate blood poisoning levels in children.
The prevention week will help educate the public on the dangers of lead poisoning in children. According to the CDC, lead poisoning affects nearly every system in the body. There are often no symptoms for blood poisoning, thus it can go unnoticed. Children under the age of 6 are at the most risk because they put their hands and objects in their mouths more. Also, children at and below the poverty line are also at more of a risk. It would be ideal to completely eliminate blood poisoning as a health issue, but until that comes about a program for prevention once a year is needed to help increase awareness.
Opponents might say that levels have decreased significantly in the past and that there is no more need for blood lead prevention. However, there are still cases of childhood lead poisoning. There have also been many toys and other objects recalled because of lead. Although companies in the U.S. may not used lead based paint, toys and other objects imported from other countries may contain lead based paint. The problem is still there and must continue to be addressed until it is eliminated.
We appreciate the past support of the bill and hope it continues to get passed each year. As a health education student, I hope you realize the importance of educating the public on blood poisoning in children. Vote yes to S.RES.650.ATS: National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Alyssa
Fact Sheet
How do children get lead poisoning?
Older homes can contain lead-based paint. Painted toys may contain lead as well as some drinking containers. Children who put toys, containers are suck on the windowsill in an older house may get exposed to lead. If they eat paint chips or soil containing lead they may also get exposed.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Sometimes there are no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they are like other illnesses. Loss of appetite, tiredness, irritability, weight loss, and reduced attention span.
What are the affects of lead poisoning?
If not detected early, children with high blood levels may have damage to their brain or nervous system, slowed growth, hyperactivity, behavior problems, headaches, and learning problems.
How can you prevent lead poisoning?
- Learn about where lead is found
- Keep the home dust-free
- Wash children's toys frequently
- If you have an older home get it tested for lead
- Make sure there is no cracked or chipping paint
- Have your kids wash their hands after playing outdoors
More information:
For more information you can go to the CDC website or EPA's website.
this is a really great bill, and lead is such a dangerous chemical that can be found in a multitude of places. I like how you included how you can prevent lead poisoning-this is really important!!!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really powerful issue since it is centered around children, who are really helpless against the issue since parents buy their toys. It is not the child's fault to suck or chew on the toy, but sadly it may contain lead. Having a nationally week would be super beneficial to educate the country on this information. Great work!
ReplyDeleteLead poisoning can be really scary and I think we'd all be surprised how many products and objects still have lead in them even though we know the danger. I think this is a great way to get everyone aware of the issue. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI dont know how anyone could oppose this issue, with the amount of older homes still remaining today it is reason enough to try and reduce exposure to these hazards especially in children.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great thing. I really hope it happens. I'm with Adam on this one I don't really know who would oppose this issue.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that how dusty or 'dirty' your home is could increase your chances of being exposed to lead! Did you happen to learn why that is, is it because of toxins from products in the home?
ReplyDelete