Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead poisoning in Iowa affects 1 in 14 children. Iowa’s rate of lead poisoning is four times the national average.

Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint in them. The paint, chips and dust from lead can pose serious health hazards.  Nearly 60 percent of the homes in Iowa, both in rural and urban areas, were built before 1960.

Lead Poisoning occurs when a person has too much lead in his/her body. Children are much more sensitive to lead than adults.  Lead dust gets on children’s hands, toys, bottles and pacifiers.  Because lead paint chips taste sweet children put these in their mouths. Children who are teething may chew on window sills and stair railings. Imported jewelry or toys may contain lead that children chew on. Children who play in dirt or a sandbox near an old building may also be exposed to contaminated soil with lead-based paint chips or dust.

Lead poisoned individuals may have learning and behavior problems as they grow older.  Children with very high lead levels may develop seizures, become unconscious or even die. Children should be screened by having their blood tested beginning at age 12 months, and again at 18 and 24 months, and 3, 4 and 5 years.  All children in Iowa must show proof of a blood lead test when entering kindergarten.

Ways to reduce lead exposure:

• Carefully look around the inside and outside of your home for peeling and chipping paint.
• Pick paint chips up from floor. Wash floors, window ledges and other chewable surfaces with water and powdered dishwasher detergent.
• Do not sand, scrape or otherwise remove any paint until you know how to do it safely. Contact Community Health Partners (1-800-435-3454) to learn how to remove lead-based paint safely.
• To flush out water pipes, run tap water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Teach children to throw away food that has fallen on the ground or floor.
• Wash children’s hands often, particularly before eating. Also, wash children’s toys or pacifiers often.
• If an adult works with lead, shower and change clothes and shoes before leaving work
• Serve children foods that are high in iron, calcium and protein.  Healthy meals and snacks will help remove the lead from the child.

Sioux County is part of a five county lead coalition, including Plymouth, O’Brien, Osceola, and Lyon counties.

For more information contact:  Julia Schroeder, RN;BSN, Certified EBL Inspector

211 Central Ave SE | Orange City, IA 51041 | (712) 737-2971 or 800-435-3454 |

julia.schroeder@siouxcountychp.org

Or Iowa Department of Public Health Toll Free 1-800-972-2026