Lead poisoning has made headlines in the local news with recent articles reporting that 14,000 Lansing homes have lead service pipes in need of replacement.
The Michigan Department of Community Health has identified zip codes where exposure risks are greatest. These high-risk zip codes are not just associated with older urban areas.
Whether it’s exposure from lead pipes or the hazard of lead exposure from paint, the danger is real and needs to be taken seriously.
Lead exposure can come from:
- Paint made prior to 1978.
- Soil containing lead from outdoor peeling paint, industrial pollution and wheel balancing weights.
- Drinking water coming from old lead pipes, municipal service lines, plumbing solder that is not lead-free and brass fixtures.
- Jobs and hobbies that involve working with lead, such as making stained glass windows, auto repair, pouring lead weights and bullets, battery manufacturing, metal/plastics processing and electronics manufacturing.
- Crystal, china, pottery and imported food cans.
- Home remedies, spices and cosmetics. Some of these include lozeena, kohl, azarcon, greta and pay-loo-ah.
Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. With their rapidly developing brain and nervous system, they are more likely to be affected by lead than adults. They can have dangerously high levels of lead in their bodies, though they may not look or act sick.
Ask your doctor about having your child checked for lead poisoning if you live in one of the high-risk zip codes or if you can answer yes or don’t know to any of the following questions:
- Does the child live in or often visit a house built before 1950? This could include a daycare, preschool or home of a relative.
- Does the child live in or often visit a house built before 1978 that has been remodeled within the last year?
- Does the child have a brother, sister or playmate with lead poisoning?
- Does the child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves lead?
- Does the child’s family use any home remedies that may contain lead?
Additional information: 1.800.424.LEAD, www.michigan.gov/leadsafe