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Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Epidemiology

  •  407-858-1420
  •  

    Fax

    407-858-5517
  •  

    Mailing Address

    6101 Lake Ellenor Drive 

    Orlando, FL 32809 

     

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used to make many products. Lead Poisoning occurs when too much lead gets into the body and can be a serious but preventable health problem.

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is a shared responsibility of the Environmental Health and Epidemiology Departments. The program seeks to:

  • Conduct home and environmental inspections to expose problem areas
  • Conduct home visitations for children with lead poisoning
  • Find children with high levels of lead in their blood
  • Provide education and specific recommendations to parents on how to decrease their child's exposure to lead
  • Report all findings of lead poisoning

Lead can alter a child's development and behavior, even in small levels. Children with lead poisoning may:

  • Appear inattentive, hyperactive and irritable
  • Have health problems such as anemia, hearing damage, and speech and language delays
  • Suffer permanent brain damage, seizures, coma, and even death (after long term exposure).

Early identification and treatment greatly reduces the risk to your child. Have your children and your home tested for lead.

Lead Poisoning Prevention

There are several things you can do to protect your children from exposure to lead.

  • Wash children's hands with soap and water before meals and bedtime.
  • Do not cook or store food and liquid in lead crystal or imported old pottery.
  • Eat foods that are rich in calcium, iron, Vitamin C and low in fat.
  • Have your water tested.
  • Have your home and any items that may contain lead tested.
  • Have your child tested, even if they appear healthy.
  • Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces in weekly.
  • Do not let your child chew on anything that is covered with lead paint.
  • If you work with lead, change your clothes and shower before handling children.
  • Hire a professional to remove any lead paint from your home.

Learn if you and your family are at risk for Lead Poisoning at the Florida Health Information for Parents and Caregivers web page.