Commissioners proclaim Oct. 24-30 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
The board of commissioners has declared Oct. 24-30 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Ramsey County. Commissioner Jim McDonough read the proclamation at an East Side Neighborhood Development Company meeting on Oct. 5.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is a nationally recognized event that happens each year at the end of October. The risks of lead exposure are most dangerous for children under 6 and pregnant or breast/chestfeeding people. Talk with your health care provider about the blood screen for your family.
“During the pandemic some families have put off the well child checkups, where blood lead level testing is performed,” said Jim Yannarelly, Environmental Health supervisor. "Most children have also spent more time in their homes and therefore more time with possible lead hazards. We strongly encourage families to bring their children into their primary clinics to get caught up on lead testing.”
Ramsey County has reduced the number of children exposed to lead-based paint hazards through our Lead Window Replacement Program. Yannarelly said the East Side Neighborhood Development Company has partnered with the county for many years on this program. The proclamation recognizes this partnership, and the need to continue efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning.