HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department (HHD) will host a series of lead poisoning information sessions from Oct. 26-30 as part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The sessions will educate the public about the long-term health impacts of lead poisoning, and highlight the department’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, which offers free lead abatement on eligible homes.
- The Lead Program aims to ensure houses built before 1978 are lead-free and remain affordable for families with children under 6 years of age.
- Parents should speak to their child’s healthcare provider regarding lead screening at 1 and 2 years of age.
- In addition to reducing lead hazards, the program is also able to cover the cost of additional hazard reductions to ensure homes are pest-free, clean and thermally controlled.
HHD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program removes lead-based paint on the exterior of houses built before 1978 at no cost to the homeowners. Those interested can visit the lead removal webpage to learn more.
“One of our biggest priorities at the health department is spreading the word far and wide about our free lead abatement program. It is a perfect example of how the department partners closely with residents to ensure their health and overall wellbeing. Our lead team works with the client’s schedule to offer a comfortable experience that will save lives for generations to come. Lead is incredibly dangerous and fatal in large amounts, and we want Houstonians to know the health department takes this concern seriously,» Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran said.
Topics during this week will also cover keeping children safe from lead, understanding the invisible threat of the chemical in homes and common household items, and options for guests to test for lead in their blood and environment.
HHD’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week info sessions schedule is as follows:
- Monday, October 26, Kashmere MSC, 4802 Lockwood Dr., Houston, TX 77026, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 27, Sunnyside MSC, 4410 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77051, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 28, Mission Milby Sunrise Center, 2220 Broadway St., Houston, TX 77012, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal. It is found all over our environment, typically in pipes, plumbing, ceramics and batteries. Its toxic presence in the air, dirt, lead paint chips and contaminated food or water becomes harmful when people breathe it in or ingest it regularly, which causes it to build up in the body. Children are often exposed to it through dust when they put items like toys or dirt in their mouths. There are no safe levels of lead in the blood. Extensive exposure to lead, especially in childhood, can cause long-term harm.
Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but its toxicity can be found anywhere, including soil in older houses and industrial sites, toys and candy from countries outside the U.S., Canada and Europe, leaded crystal glassware and more.
Pictured above: Before and after images of a lead abatement on the exterior of the home.
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