October is lead poisoning prevention month! Learn more regarding the importance of testing in your h

October is lead poisoning prevention month! Learn more regarding the importance of testing in your home and ways to prevent exposure.

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.

Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in homes that were built before 1978 are the most common sources of lead poisoning, other sources include contaminated air, water and soil. Adults who work with batteries, do home renovations or work in auto repair shops also might be exposed to lead.

Scotts Bluff County resident and Healthy Families of America employee, Jennifer Buxbaum, explains the reason why she tested her home for lead, “After completing some home remodeling project and then losing my voice, having a nasty cough, and inhaling sawdust, I reached out to PPHD lead testing team to schedule testing in my home. The testing was easy and the PPHD staff was very understanding while in my home. It was a relief to find out my actual house reading came back negative.”

Here are some lead poisoning symptoms for adults:

• High blood pressure

• Joint and muscle pain

• Difficulties with memory or concentration

• Headache

• Abdominal pain

• Mood disorders

• Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm

• 
  

Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women

Risk Factors

• Age: infants and young children are more likely to be exposed to lead

• Living in homes that were built before 1978

• Certain hobbies: such as remodeling or refinishing old furniture, soldering, reloading ammunition, and making lead weights for fishing.

Prevention: Simple measures can help protect you and your family from lead poisoning:

• Wash hands and toys

• Clean dusty surfaces

• Remove shoes before entering the house

• Run cold water

• Prevent children from playing on soil

• Eat a healthy diet

• Keep your home well-maintained

For additional information about worksite wellness or lead testing, visit www.pphd.org/pwwc.html or call Berosek at 308-279-3496. The Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council is proudly part of Panhandle Public Health District.

The Council specializes in supporting employers in the Panhandle region. We recognize that many employers support a diverse and remote workforce and offer innovative ways to overcome the challenge of working with a virtual team. We understand that many of our employers do not have full-time wellness resources and work to provide resources and training to make running a worksite wellness program as easy as possible.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle community.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717