MSDH Spreads Awareness for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Jackson, Miss.— During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is encouraging parents to get their children and homes tested for the toxic metal because there is no safe blood lead level in children.

Although the phrase "elevated blood lead level" has been used in the past to identify children with more lead in their blood than most, there is no acceptable level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even low levels are linked to developmental delays, learning difficulties and behavioral problems.

Between 2021 and 2024, 1,136 Mississippi children had lead detected in their blood. Medicaid recipients are more than twice as likely to test positive, reflecting the increased risk of living in older homes.

Children can be exposed to lead from several sources but are at higher risk if they live in older homes that contain lead in pipes and mini-blinds or have peeling paint. Other sources of lead include:

• Soil, dust, tap water, lead-based paint
• Electrical cords, garden hoses, outside water faucets
• Keys, batteries, metal jewelry

Your child may be at risk long before you see symptoms, including learning problems, growth failure, behavior disorders, seizures, irritability, developmental delays and hearing loss. The effects of lead exposure are irreversible, so preventing exposure is crucial.

To reduce lead exposure in your children, MSDH recommends the following:

• Know when your home was built. Lead-based paint was used in many homes built before 1978.
• Have your home checked for lead before you remodel. Do not scrape or sand lead-based paint.
• Don't let children eat paint chips, dust or dirt; keep them away from windowsills, steps and porches in old homes.
• If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
• Clean floors, window frames, windowsills and other surfaces weekly.
• Wash children's hands, toys, pacifiers and bottles often.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead in soil.
• Make sure children get a diet high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C and frequent meals.

To learn more or to arrange a screening, contact your primary care provider or the Mississippi Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program at (601) 576-7447 or learn more at msdh.ms.gov/lead.