IDPH marks National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

The Illinois Department of Public Health is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week through Saturday, an effort to raise awareness of the risks of lead exposure. This observance follows the state’s July 1 implementation of universal lead testing for all Illinois children. “Universal lead testing is an essential tool for identifying and helping children who have been exposed to lead,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a news release. “It’s equally important to identify and remove sources of lead exposure before a child is in harm’s way. This week is all about reminding Illinoisans to take the steps to prevent lead poisoning and keep our children safe.”Each month, hundreds of Illinois children are found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to health issues and developmental and learning disabilities, according to the release.The most common source of lead exposure is from peeled, cracked or chipped lead-based paint. Children can be exposed by swallo