10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Lead Poisoning
A
mericans were out-
raged recently by
the number of chil-
dren diagnosed with lead poi-
soning in Flint, Michigan. Those
people might be shocked to learn
that the rates of lead poisoning
in many other areas of the U.S.
are significantly higher. In fact,
according to recent data, many
zip codes in Buffalo have rates
that are 3x higher than in Flint.
10
yond.
Lead can cause
serious learning
problems...
LEAD716.org • (716) 874-7200
We’ll help YOUR
child for FREE.
3
3
Lead is a poison that can hurt a child’s brain and cause serious learning problems.
We help young children with lead poisoning get the help they need
so they can learn and do well in school.
THINGS EVERY PARENT
NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT
LEAD POISONING
Lead affects children from
all walks of life. Young children
and pregnant women are most at
risk from lead poisoning because
lead is a neurotoxin that disrupts
brain think
function,
and
90% of brain
Do you
lead
poisoning
is
development
occurs
during
the
something you don’t have to
five years
of life.
worry first
about?
Think
again.
3
Even if your child does not seem to have a learning problem now, it is important
to get them help now while they are young and their brain is still growing.
Call 874-7200 to enroll your child in our FREE program.
Our tutors work with 2-4 year-old children diagnosed with lead
poisoning. Our program is FREE, but space is limited. Call us today!
Lower
IQ scores
Lead poisoning can go un-
Americans
were You
outraged
by your
the number
noticed.
may recently
not know
child has an
of children diagnosed with lead poisoning in Flint,
elevated lead level. Often children with low
Michigan. Those people might be shocked to learn that
levels
of lead
look totally
but of
it is
the rates
of lead
poisoning
in many healthy,
other areas
the im-
to know
that
there according
is no safe to level
of
US are portant
significantly
higher.
In fact,
recent
data, many
zip codes
Buffalo
rates that impact
are
lead. Even
low in
levels
can have
significantly
3x higher than in Flint.
a child’s learning and behavior.
Lead affects children from all walks of life. Young
Lead poisoning is 100% preventable; yet,
children and pregnant women are most at risk from lead
tragically,
kids ages
1-5 are di-
poisoning
because half
lead a is million
a neurotoxin
that disrupts
agnosed and
with
elevated
each year
in the
brain function,
90%
of brain lead
development
occurs
during United
the first States.
five years of life.
Lead poisoning
can go unnoticed.
may not
know to
LEAD716
is a free You
program
aimed
your child has an elevated lead level. Often children with
provide critically-needed early academic in-
low levels of lead look totally healthy, but it is important
tervention
preschool
in WNY
to know
that there to
is no
safe level children
of lead. Even
low di-
agnosed
with elevated
lead levels.
levels can
significantly
impact a child’s
learning We
and focus
behavior.
on early literacy, social and emotional skill
development,
helping
to ensure
children half
are
Lead poisoning
is 100%
preventable;
yet, tragically,
a million
kids ages
are diagnosed
with elevated
prepared
for 1-5 success
in kindergarten
and lead
be-
each year in the US.
60 WNY Family March 2020
The damage from lead poisoning
can be permanent and devastating.
Children
diagnosed Attention
with lead
Speech and hearing
problems
difficulties
& behavior issues
poisoning
are at greater
risk of:
LOW LEAD LEVELS
Learning
disabilities
According to the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC), “Re-
search demonstrates that chil-
dren with developmental delays
or at high risk for developmen-
tal delays benefit most from in-
terventions that start at an early
age.” The CDC also states “No
safe blood lead level in children
has been identified.”
LEAD716 is focused on
helping kids before they enter
school – before they encounter
learning problems – at an age
when they are more resilient. It
is our hope, as a result of this
project, children in Erie County
who have been affected by lead
will lead healthier, more suc-
cessful lives.
Here are 10 tips to protect
your kids:
LEAD716.org • (716) 874-7200
• Learning disabilities
• Decreased intelligence
• Speech and hearing
difficulties
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Hyperactivity
• Aggressive and
violent behavior
HIGH LEAD LEVELS
• Reduced motor control
and balance
• Developmental Disabilities
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Death
See reverse side of this newsletter for 10 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS
1. If you are concerned your child may
have been exposed to lead, get a simple
blood test at the doctor’s office. All chil-
dren at risk should be tested when they
are 1 and 2. Children 6 and under who
are at risk should also be evaluated.
2. If you are concerned there may be lead
in your home, get info about home and
water lead testing—in Buffalo, call 311;
in Erie County, call (716) 961-6800.
3. Wash your child’s hands often, espe-
cially after playing outdoors, and before
eating and sleeping. Wash toys and paci-
fiers regularly. Children are often ex-
posed to lead when they come in contact