National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week has begun

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - WALB’s Jim Wallace was joined by April Kennedy. The regional lead and healthy homes coordinator for the Columbus Health Department.

She handles the 42 county area, including South Georgia. Miss Kennedy, you’re telling us that during national lead poisoning prevention week that you’re seeing an increase in this area.

“Oh, certainly. Like you said, I do cover a 42 county region that also covers three health districts. And what’s interesting is Southwest Georgia is my highest caseload area. We definitely see Issues with lead poisoning in this area.”

People may figure that lead poisoning was something you know from years ago, but it’s still.

“Absolutely. And that’s kind of the whole point of this national lead poisoning Prevention week is just to remind people that lead poisoning is still an issue for children. It can cause lasting, sometimes permanent health effects, and it damages the brain essential nervous system. So that’s why we like to get out, remind people that it is still an issue. And give them some tips on how to. Prevent it.”

Now you say that  right now, the housing crisis that we’re kind of seeing around Georgia, actually it shows some problems with lead poisoning. Can you explain that?

“Absolutely. Most of the cases that I investigate still today are related to lead based paint in older homes, even though it was outlawed in 1978. What I’m seeing actually in a lot of South Georgia areas is that a lot of rental properties are those older homes that have been purchased by investors. Or perhaps are still owned by the families that grew up in those homes and they’re being rented out at very competitive rates that are attractive to families. But what the issue is, is that if there’s lead based paint in those homes, there could be lead hazards that would affect the small children and those families.”

What are some symptoms families should look for about lead poisoning?

“Well, that’s interesting that you should ask because lead poisoning doesn’t really have any specific symptoms. That are directly related to lead. Poisoning. You might see a child with an upset stomach, Constipation, kidney issues, joint. Pain, things like that that are not necessarily they wouldn’t trigger you to think of lead poisoning. The best way to know if your child actually has an elevated level of lead in their blood is to get the blood tested.”

So where can they get that done at?

“Oh, absolutely. At any of your Pediatrics offices and a lot of the local health departments do have LED screening procedures that they will be able to tell you if. Your child is at risk.”

April Kennedy,  during national lead Poisoning Prevention Week. We appreciate your help. Thank you.

“Thank you.”

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