by Jeremy Pittari, Magnolia Tribune
(Photo from Shutterstock)
Mississippians are being advised to check their homes for the presence of lead and protect their children from exposure to the toxic substance.
With the start of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week on Sunday, the Mississippi State Department of Health is alerting those who live in older homes about the potential for their children to come into contact with lead.
Prior to 1978, lead was used in nearly every paint product, and some homes still contain lead pipes that bring water into the home. Older homes may also have window blinds or other items that contain lead.
Lead poisoning can lead to developmental problems for children, including behavior disorders, learning deficiencies, stunted growth and even hearing loss. It is also advised that child-bearing aged women avoid exposure to lead, since it can be passed to a child while in the womb.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there is no safe level of lead in the bloodstream, since low levels of the substance in the body can cause negative effects.
Some sources of lead to watch out for include tap water delivered by lead pipes, soil, garden hoses, keys and some metal jewelry.
The World Health Organization states that about 3.5 million people died worldwide in 2023 as a result of lead poisoning. Most of those deaths were cardiovascular in nature.
Deaths are typically rare, even in cases where lead levels are very high.
MSDH reports that cases of lead poisoning have occurred in the state, with 1,136 children having lead in their blood between 2021 and 2024.
Some steps parents can take to lessen the chance of exposure include taking off shoes when entering the home, washing toys, pacifiers and bottles frequently, keeping children away from sources of chipping paint and having the home inspected for lead before conducting renovations.
Parents are advised to ensure children are well fed and receive daily amounts of calcium, iron and vitamin C.