FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Oct. 7, 2024
CONTACT: Linda Singler, Public Health Program Manager, (530) 229-8105 or (530) 225-5122
childrensmcm [at] shastacounty.gov (childrensmcm@shastacounty.gov)
Shasta County Launches Campaign To Increase Awareness Of Childhood Lead Poisoning
SHASTA COUNTY – Staff with the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program today announced plans to celebrate Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 20-26, with a week-long information campaign about childhood lead poisoning issues.
Our campaign message this year is, “There’s lead in that? Learn about sources of lead in consumer products.” Campaign highlights include staff representing the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at community events, a lead poisoning prevention display outside the Shasta County Board of Supervisors chambers, and social media messaging on the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Facebook, Instagram and X pages.
During Lead Week, the California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch will host guest speakers to present about lead in consumer items. All sessions are free and open to the public. Additional information, including times and registration links, will be available on the CDPH’s Lead Week 2024 web page: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/LeadWeek2024.aspx.
Lead poisoning can seriously affect a child’s brain and nervous system. It can cause learning and behavioral problems. A blood lead test is the only way to identify lead poisoning in children.
"The purpose of this campaign is to remind parents that lead poisoning can be detrimental to young children’s health and development. It's important for parents to ask their child’s doctor about blood lead testing,” stated Dr. James Mu, Shasta County Public Health Officer.
In California, children can be exposed to lead by ingesting lead-contaminated dust, paint chips from deteriorating lead-based paint, and lead-contaminated soil. Other sources of lead poisoning include lead dust brought home on parents' work clothes, certain imported ceramic pottery, painted objects, traditional home remedies, traditional cosmetics, and imported spices, candies, and other food products.
Additionally, activities that involve lead products, such as soldering, making stained glass, and handling bullets or fishing sinkers, can put children at risk. All parents and caregivers of young children are invited to participate in the Anderson Library Storytime at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 31. The story time will highlight ways to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
Also, visit the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program booth at the Coleman National Fish Hatchery Salmon Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19 and learn how to protect their children from this serious environmental disease. Background materials are available upon request at (530) 225-5122.
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