Childhood lead exposure is a serious but preventable health risk. Even small amounts of lead can affect a child’s development, learning, and behavior, and most children show no obvious symptoms. That’s why testing and prevention are so important.

In Louisiana, the Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LCLPPP) works to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by ensuring children under six are tested, educating families about lead hazards, and offering home investigations when needed. The program tracks blood lead test results, provides care coordination for children with elevated levels, offers no-cost home inspections for children with high blood lead levels, and provides education for both the public and healthcare professionals.

Children most at risk are those under six, living in homes built before 1978, from low-income households, recently immigrated, or exposed to someone working with lead hazards like construction or certain hobbies. Lead can enter the home through old paint, contaminated dust or soil, water, imported products, or even work-related activities.

Parents can take simple but effective steps to reduce exposure: wet-clean floors and windowsills regularly, wash children’s hands and toys, use cold tap water for cooking and drinking, cover bare soil with grass or mulch, change clothes and shower after work involving lead, and feed children a diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Testing is key. Children should be tested at age one and again at age two, or anytime if they are at risk. Testing is available through pediatricians or local health units, and early detection can prevent long-term health effects.

This National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, take action to protect your children. Have them tested, reduce potential exposures at home, and learn more about how the Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program can help: https://ldh.la.gov/lead-poisoning-prevention

LCLPPP will host a virtual presentation for community members, childcare providers, and healthcare professionals on Wednesday, October 22 at noon. The presentation will cover how to reduce lead risks at home, share Louisiana blood lead testing data, and highlight success stories from the program. Everyone is invited to attend and help spread the word about how we can build healthier, lead-safe communities for all Louisiana children.

Wednesday, October 22
Noon (Central Time)
Registration Link:
https://ldhbidenvepidemiology.zoom.us/meeting/register/9UxkokKLRuehY1yhH6KNSQ