Description

To protect the health and safety of children, workers, and the general public by identifying and decreasing environmental lead hazards. What we do Ensure that children under 6 years of age are screened for lead poisoning. Collect blood level test results for children younger than 6 years of age to evaluate screening and lead poisoning trends. Refer children with blood lead levels above the reference level (5 mcg/dL) to case management and in-home education services. Offer comprehensive environmental inspection of homes of children younger than 6 years of age with significant blood lead levels. Conduct outreach and education about the dangers of lead poisoning. Offer free educational materials. Partner with the Rhode Island Alliance for Healthy Housing to improve housing in Rhode island. Set parameters for licensing lead professionals to conduct environmental inspections and remove lead hazards from properties. Conduct filed investigations on sites where lead hazard removal is being performed to ensure that workers are appropriately licensed and follow lead-safe work practices Sources of exposure Lead can be found in many places around a home, such as in peeling and chipping lead paint, dust from lead paint, soil and dirt in the yard, tap water from lead pipes, and pottery, crystal, or ceramic dishes. more The most prevalent exposure in Rhode Island comes from lead-based paint and paint dust found in residences built before 1978. Populations at risk Anyone can get lead poisoned. However, lead is most dangerous to children younger than six years old. Young children put their hands, toys and other things in their mouths. Any of these objects could have lead dust on them. Lead poisoned children are likely to suffer life-long consequences. Even a small amount of lead can have a negative effect on a child's development and can cause serious health problems, including learning disabilities, loss of IQ, and reduced attention span. Fortunately, parents can take actions to protect children from lead poisoning.

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