Let's Wipe Out Lead Poisoning—Renovate Right!

Lead is a highly toxic metal that at one time was an ingredient in many household products, including lead-based paints manufactured before 1978.  The primary source of lead exposure among U.S. children is the lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust and soil found in and around old, deteriorating buildings.

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered to be the most preventable environmental disease of young children, yet an estimated 310,000 U.S. children have elevated blood lead levels.  A simple blood test can prevent a lifetime spoiled by the irreversible damage caused by lead poisoning.

This year's theme, "Let's Wipe Out Lead Poisoning -- Renovate Right!" highlights the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule to protect families from the dangers of lead dust resulting from renovations and everyday painting and repairs. The rule requires the use of lead-safe paint removal practices to ensure that activities such as sanding, cutting and demolition do not disburse harmful lead dust into a family's air, food and clothing.

Activities planned across the state include:

• "The Sound of Paint," a public service announcement broadcast on radio about lead-based paint.
• "Dusty the Dog," a mobile storyboard that will travel across the state to Richmond, Petersburg, Danville, Mecklenburg, Lynchburg, Fairfax, Norfolk and Portsmouth.
• Other lead-based paint educational activities will be held at community events, fairs, day-care facilities and faith based organizations. Check with your local health district for more information about events.

Learn more about the issue from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lead-Safe Virginia Program. Read Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's proclamation designating the week of Oct. 19-25 as "Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week" in Virginia. Click here to learn more about prevention activities in the Richmond City Health District.