Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable environmental health problems in young children. High levels of lead can harm the brain, interfere with growth, cause learning difficulties, and may cause death.
Children can be exposed to lead from any of the sources below. Children are at higher risk of lead exposure if they frequent older homes that contain lead in pipes, mini-blinds, or that have chipping and peeling paint.
Possible sources of lead are:
Lead poisoning may occur without any signs or symptoms.
It can take a long time for symptoms of lead poisoning to appear. Your child may be at risk long before you see any effects. Some signs to look for are:
What's in that bottle?
Some spices used in cooking, herbal medicine, or as coloring for candies can contain lead. When purchasing these items, especially online, be sure you are getting safe products from trusted sources.
How a family in Ohio was affected by lead after renovations in their house.
If you have an older home that may contain lead-based paint, this program for Hattiesburg residents can help with the cost of removing the old paint and repainting.
Contact: Demetria Farve, 601-554-1006, leadsafe@hattiesburgms.com
To learn more about the risks of lead or to arrange a lead screening, contact your primary care provider or call the Mississippi Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program at (601) 576-7447.
For more information about Maternal and Child Health Programs and the MCH Block Grant, call 1-800-721-7222.
Resources referenced |
||
Learn more | https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/41,19322,176,pdf/LeadSafeHattiesburg.pdf ok | |
Quick Guide for Lead Poisoning Prevention, Clinical Evaluation, and Management | https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/19264.pdf ok | |
Avoiding Take-Home Lead Exposure | https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/11589.pdf ok |
Find this page at http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/index.cfm