General Info

Abatement

Lead paint is a significant health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant women. When lead paint deteriorates, flakes, or peels, it creates lead dust that can be ingested or inhaled. The most common health concerns associated with lead paint exposure are:

Developmental delays and learning difficulties: Lead exposure can affect the developing brain and nervous system, leading to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavior problems in children.
Anemia: Lead can interfere with the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. This can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other health problems.
Kidney damage: High levels of lead in the blood can damage the kidneys, which can affect their ability to filter waste and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
Reproductive problems: Lead exposure can also affect the reproductive system, causing problems with fertility and pregnancy.
Nervous system damage: Lead can affect the peripheral and central nervous system, causing nerve damage, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.

To prevent health problems associated with lead paint, it's important to take steps to reduce exposure to lead, such as testing for lead in homes built before 1978, and if lead is present, to hire a professional to remove it safely.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp and humid environments. While some types of mold are harmless, exposure to certain types of mold can cause health problems. Here are some of the most common health concerns associated with mold exposure:

Respiratory problems: Mold can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Exposure to mold can also cause upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, and other respiratory problems.
Skin irritation: Exposure to mold can cause skin irritation, such as rashes or hives, especially in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Eye irritation: Mold spores can irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, and watery eyes.
Headaches: Exposure to mold can cause headaches, especially in people who are sensitive to the smell of mold.
Fatigue: Prolonged exposure to mold can cause fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of malaise.
Immune system suppression: Some types of mold produce mycotoxins, which can suppress the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections.

To prevent health problems associated with mold, it's important to keep indoor environments dry and well-ventilated, fix any leaks or water damage promptly, and clean up any visible mold growth as soon as possible. If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home, it's important to hire a professional to assess and address the problem.

What to do for a Lead poison child

If you suspect that a child in the state of Ohio has been exposed to lead and may be suffering from lead poisoning, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. You should contact your child's healthcare provider, who can perform a blood lead test to determine the child's lead levels and provide treatment if necessary.

In addition to medical treatment, you should also report the lead poisoning to the local health department in your area. In Ohio, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is responsible for overseeing lead poisoning prevention and response. You can contact the ODH Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 614-466-2144 for more information on reporting lead poisoning and accessing resources for treatment and prevention.

It's important to take lead poisoning seriously, as it can cause serious health problems and developmental delays in children. By seeking prompt medical attention and reporting the lead poisoning to the appropriate authorities, you can help ensure that the child receives the care and support they need to recover and prevent further exposure to lead.

Lead is a toxic metal that can have serious health effects, particularly in children. Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because their bodies are still developing, and they absorb lead more easily than adults.

Lead poisoning can occur when lead enters the body and builds up over time. Lead can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Once in the body, lead can replace important minerals such as iron and calcium, which can have negative effects on the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs.

The effects of lead poisoning are especially concerning for children, as it can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavior problems. Even at low levels, lead exposure can cause these negative health effects. Pregnant women who are exposed to lead can also pass it on to their unborn child, potentially causing developmental problems.

In order to prevent lead poisoning, it is important to identify potential sources of exposure and take steps to reduce or eliminate them. This can include testing for lead in paint and soil, ensuring that children do not have access to lead-containing products, and using safe and effective methods to clean up lead-contaminated areas. It is also important to screen children for lead exposure regularly, especially if they are at risk due to their environment or other factors.

Overall, lead poisoning is a serious health concern that can have lifelong effects. By taking steps to reduce exposure and identify and treat lead poisoning early, we can help protect children from the harmful effects of this toxic metal.

It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of these potential sources of lead exposure and take steps to prevent it. This includes testing homes for lead-based paint, regularly washing children's hands and toys, avoiding cosmetics and foods that contain lead, and avoiding hobbies and occupations that involve exposure to lead-based materials. Additionally, communities and policymakers can work to address sources of lead pollution in the environment to reduce the overall risk of lead exposure.

That is true. Lead exposure in children, even at low levels, can have harmful effects on their development, particularly on the brain and nervous system. Infants who consume formula made with lead-contaminated water may be exposed to higher levels of lead, which can have long-term health consequences. It is important for parents to take steps to protect their children from lead exposure, including testing their home's water for lead and using a water filter that is certified to remove lead. If a child has been exposed to lead, they should receive medical attention as soon as possible.

However, it can enter the water through corrosion or leaching from pipes, fittings, and other plumbing materials. Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. It can lead to developmental delays, behavioral problems, and lower IQ scores in children. In adults, it can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. Therefore, it is important to have your water tested for lead and take steps to reduce or eliminate your exposure to this toxic metal. This can include replacing lead pipes and plumbing fixtures, using a water filtration system, and flushing your pipes regularly.