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Childhood
Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides free lead screening to children under six. It is important for children to have their blood tested for lead at age one or two. Lead poisoning can harm a child's brain and cause learning and reading disabilities.
What
is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning is a
serious disease. Lead is a heavy metal and once it is absorbed into the
blood, it can be toxic to organs and seriously affect the body. Limited
exposure to lead is hazardous to children.
Who is at risk?
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Children under six
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Pregnant women
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People who work in lead-related industries
Sources of lead poisoning include:
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Lead-based paint
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Soil
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Air (sanding or burning)
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Drinking water
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People who work in lead-related industries (by cross contamination)
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Mini blinds (imported, matted finish, vinyl)
Program Services
Free
Lead Screening
For children under six,
free lead screenings are provided. The prevention program also provides screenings in day
care centers and other non-medical facilities.
Health
Education
Health Educators educate
the public on lead poisoning and prevention. Educators travel to schools,
businesses, community groups and health fairs.
Case
Management
For children with
elevated blood levels of > 10 mg/DL, case management provides
referrals for medical evaluation, in-home education and developmental
screenings.
Lead
Poisoning Surveillance
Data collection analysis.
Disclosure
Law Information
Federal law requires
property owners who are selling, renting, renovating or remodeling homes or
apartments built before 1978 to disclose any known hazards of lead and
provide the EPA pamphlet to prospective buyers.
Certified
Risk Assessments
Lead inspectors are
required in order to determine if and where lead is present in the home.
Inspectors also investigate the sources where children were exposed to lead.
The prevention program risk assessors are EPA certified.
For information or testing call (904) 253-1285.
Duval County Health Department
Main Office
515 W. 6th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32206
253-1000
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