October 25, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Community Members to Take Steps to Prevent Lead Poisoning
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take steps to prevent lead poisoning, to test for lead in homes built before 1978, and to talk to a healthcare provider about testing children for lead poisoning. October 20-26 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
For questions about lead testing for homes and children, RHHD encourages community members to talk to their healthcare provider, explore RHHD’s list of local pediatricians, or call RHHD’s Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Initiative at 804-205-3727. The Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Initiative offers a collaborative approach that considers people’s well-being, a home’s condition, and the potential hazards to people’s health.
RHHD recommends the following steps to help prevent lead poisoning:
- Wet-clean floors and windowsills in the home regularly.
- Wash children’s hands and toys frequently.
- Be aware of chipping paint in the home. Use lead-safe practices to make sure painted surfaces are maintained or repaired. Improper paint repairs could create more hazardous lead poison conditions. Call the Health Department for advice.
- Be aware of toys, jewelry, dishes, pottery, and foods that may contain lead.
- Be aware of hobbies or jobs that may involve working with lead (stained glass making, pottery, painting/construction work).
Families should consider the following factors when assessing their risk of lead poisoning:
- Older homes can contain lead-based paint and hazardous lead dust levels. Homes built before 1978, the year the EPA banned lead-based paint, may still contain lead paint. Young children are most at risk for lead poisoning through lead dust and lead paint exposure. In the Richmond Metropolitan area, the Lead Free Water program has reduced water-based lead risks. A new federal rule requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.
- Lead can exist in bare soil. New homes may be built on lots that still have lead dust in the soil. Families should limit the amount of time children play in bare soil, keep outside toys outside, and encourage hand washing.
- Nutrition can provide some protection from lead poising. Kids who get enough food—and especially iron, vitamin C, and calcium rich foods—are less likely to absorb high levels of lead. RHHD offers access to healthy foods for children through the WIC Supplemental Nutrition program.