TDEC to Host Lead Poisoning Awareness Event October 22
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 20-26
Nashville – In observance of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will host an educational outreach event for area families, designed to raise awareness of the dangers of lead-based paint exposure and childhood lead poisoning on Tuesday, Oct. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. at the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower Plaza.
Funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the event will provide Davidson County residents with the opportunity to sign up for a free lead-based paint inspection in their home, performed by TDEC’s Toxic Substances Program and enroll in free lead-safe online job training.
Entertainment will be provided by volunteer music groups from TDEC and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Families will be treated to hot dogs and other treats, as well as promotional and health items.
Other agencies participating in the day’s activities include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Solid Waste Assistance, the Tennessee Department of Tourism and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, along with a number of local government and community organizations across the state.
WHO: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
WHAT: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Outreach Event
WHEN: Tuesday, October 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower Plaza
Charlotte and 7th Avenue North, Nashville
In observance of Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, events such as state proclamations, free screenings, lead awareness community events and educational campaigns will be conducted nationwide.
Lead is a toxic metal once used for many years in products found in and around the home. Although lead-based paint was banned for use in residential structures in 1978, deterioration of old buildings, remodeling and renovation of older houses and lead in dust and soil result in a continuing health threat – especially for young children. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that approximately 24 million homes still have significant lead-based paint hazards today.
This year’s theme, “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood levels that may cause significant damage to their health. Major sources of lead exposure to U.S. children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating buildings. Children can also be exposed to lead from additional sources including contaminated drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace and lead in soil.
TDEC’s Toxic Substances Program works to protect the people of Tennessee from environmental and health hazards caused by three toxic substances: lead, asbestos and polychlorinated bi-phenyls. The program administers a lead-based paint certification program that outlines procedures and requirements for accreditation of training programs, certification of professionals and work practice standards for conducting lead-based paint abatement activities. To be certified in Tennessee in one of the seven lead-based paint disciplines, individuals must meet specific experience and education criteria, take the appropriate training course and pass the Tennessee state certification exam. The purpose is to ensure that individuals are properly trained and use proper safe work practice standards. To learn more about the Toxic Substances Program, please visit http://www.state.tn.us/environment/solid-waste/solid-waste_leadsafetn.shtml.
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