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NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 21-27
Release Date: 10/19/2001
Contact Information:
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCT. 19, 2001
NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 21-27
David Deegan, 202-564-7839 / [email protected]
EPA and communities across the United States between Oct. 21-27, will be marking the 3rd National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by raising awareness about lead poisoning through health fairs for families, lead tests for children and presentations for property owners. Thousands of children each year are exposed to lead in older homes with lead paint hazards. These hazards can include lead dust from renovations or deteriorated lead paint, as well as lead-contaminated soil and water. Children who are lead poisoned often suffer from learning disabilities, brain and central nervous system damage and other physical effects. EPA has recently developed a nutrition brochure to help parents understand the connection between lead poisoning and the foods children eat. Studies show that a low-fat diet rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C can help to reduce the effects of lead. Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, families are encouraged to get homes and children tested for lead. For more information on activities happening in your area, contact your local health or housing department. To learn how to protect your family from lead hazards or to get a copy of EPA’s Nutrition and Lead Poisoning brochure, call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD (424-5323) or go to EPA’s web site at: https://www.epa.gov/lead/ .
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