What Is Lead?
Lead is a metal that has many uses. Years ago (before 1978), it was used to make paint. Many of our old houses are painted with lead-based paint.
What does "Pb" Mean?
Pb is the symbol of lead.
What does µg/dL or mcg/dL Mean?
Blood lead levels are measured in micrograms per deciliter of blood, expressed as mcg/dL or µg/dL.
Is There lead in and Around My House? Where?
Lead can be found in many places in your home such as:
- Peeling and chipping lead paint
- Dust from lead paint
- Soil and dirt in your yard
- Tap water from lead pipes
- Pottery, crystal and ceramic dishes
What is Lead Poisoning?
When lead gets into the body it is poison and harms people. Even a small amount of lead can affect a child’s learning and cause other serious health problems. This is called lead poisoning. Anyone can get lead poisoning. Lead Poisoning is completely preventable.
How Does Lead Get Into The Body?
Lead can get into your body when:
- You ingest dust from lead paint
- You breathe dust from lead paint
- You ingest lead chips
- You drink tap water that has lead in it
- You eat fruits or vegetables that have lead on them from the soil
- You eat food that has been prepared or stored in dishes made with lead
Who Can Get Lead Poisoned?
Anyone can get lead poisoned. However, lead is most dangerous to children under the age of six. Young children put their hands, toys, and other things in their mouths. Any of these objects could have lead dust on them. If children put objects with lead dust in their mouths, they can become lead poisoned.
Lead poisoned children are likely to suffer life-long consequences as a result of their exposure at a young age. Essentially causing brain damage, lead poisoning can result in learning difficulties, loss of IQ, and behavioral problems that are irreversible.
How Do I Know if My Child is Lead Poisoned?
The only way to know if your child is lead poisoned is to have your child tested. Ask your doctor about getting a lead test for your child at your next visit. After your child has been tested, ask your doctor about the test results and what you should do.
Are there other resources in Rhode Island for information and help to make homes lead safe?
Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, Inc.
32 Goff Avenue
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-723-4520
www.bvcap.org
East Bay Community Action Program
Lead Education and Outreach Program
Comprehensive Lead Center
19 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
401-847-7821, ext. 204
www.ebcap.org
LeadSafe Homes Program
Rhode Island Housing
44 Washington St.
Providence, RI 02903
401-450-1350
www.rhodeislandhousing.org (click on Homeowners in the sidebar)
St. Joseph Lead Center
Home based Outreach for Lead Prevention in Providence
21 Peace Street
Providence RI 02907
For more information 401-456-4548
mmounier@saintjosephri.com
Warwick Lead Hazard Reduction Program
City Hall Annex
3275 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
401-738-2000, Ext. 6375
www.warwickri.gov (click on City Directory, then Community Development in the sidebar)
Westbay Community Action Program, Inc.
Lead Hazard Education & Outreach Program
205 Buttonwoods Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
401-732-4660, Ext. 144
www.westbaycap.org
Woonsocket Healthy Homes Program -- Housing Assistance
City Hall
169 Main Street, PO Box B
Woonsocket, RI 02895
401-767-9228
www.ci.woonsocket.ri.us (click on Housing & Community Development in the sidebar) |
