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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing October 23-29, 2016 as Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Chairwoman Hannigan)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing October 23-29, 2016 as Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
SUMMARY:
In 2016, the California Department of Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch sponsors the fourth week of October as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The purpose of this recognition is to raise awareness about prevention of childhood lead poisoning and the recommended resolution will assist in raising awareness in Solano County Young children under six years of age are at highest risk of the harmful effects from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can harm a child’s nervous system and brain when they are still forming; and make it hard for children to learn, pay attention and succeed in school. Higher amounts of lead exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and other major organs.
There are simple steps parents and caregivers can take to reduce the exposure to lead poisoning including washing hands; washing toys; wiping and cleaning windowsills and floors; and keeping painted surfaces in good condition. It is also important to be aware of recalled products that may contain lead, especially toys, home remedies or powders used in cultural practices, such as sindoor, surma and turmeric. The latest recalls include insulated water bottles sold at L. L. Bean retail stores and Things Remembered children’s bracelets and necklaces.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with this item are included in the Department’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2016/17 Approved Budget. There is no additional financial impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Since 1993, Solano County Public Health’s, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and Resource Management’s Environmental Health have been successful in finding environmental, cultural and product sources of lead in the community. In FY2015/16, an estimated 83 children had elevated blood lead levels in Solano County. With prevention education, nutrition intervention and case management, these families are educated to improve the health of the child.
With the additional funds from the State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, Solano County’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program continues its expansion of Environmental Health’s efforts to test additional houses suspected of causing low to moderate lead levels in children.
There are no safe or normal levels of lead in the body. Young children less than six years of age are at greatest risk, especially children ages 12 to 24 months of age, because they often have their hands or toys in their mouth. Pregnant women with elevated lead levels may also pass it to their unborn child. Lead poisoned children usually have no symptoms. Recent research shows that even at low blood levels, lead poisoning is linked to anemia, hyperactivity, learning/behavior problems, nerve damage, hearing loss, and kidney damage. Children at risk of lead poisoning should be tested at both 12 months and 24 months. Additionally, children three to six years old, at risk, who were not tested at an earlier age, should have a blood lead test. It is important to find sources of lead in a child’s daily life in order to reduce lead exposure.
Lead is a natural but toxic metal that is used in many metal and plastic products, some made for children. Examples include: metal jewelry, keys, some plastic and wooden toys, and home remedies. Lead can be found in old paint (pre-1978), contaminated soil, and imported pottery. Some cultural powders such as sindoor, surma and turmeric have been found to have high lead levels.
The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable by taking a few simple steps to stop children and pregnant women from coming into contact with lead. Parents and caregivers can reduce the exposure to lead poisoning by washing hands; washing toys; wiping and cleaning windowsills and floors; and keeping painted surfaces in good condition.
Please join in raising awareness about National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention in Solano County. During the fourth week of October, the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, including Public Health Nursing and Environmental Health staff, will recognize National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention with a media campaign that will include outreach to: public libraries, Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) providers, and other agencies that serve children and pregnant women.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt this resolution recognizing the fourth week of October as Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. This is not recommended because this resolution supports efforts to improve the health and well-being of those who live, learn, work, and play in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Resource Management is a partner of H&SS and together ensures the community is aware of services protecting the community from the harmful effects of lead poisoning.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENT RECCOMMENDATION