Lead Safe Springfield

Mission

To create community-wide awareness and address lead-based paint hazards through intervention and prevention strategies. This mission will be accomplished through collaborative efforts within the community.

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead is swallowed and/or inhaled. The most common source of lead poisoning is lead-based paint. Flaking, chipping, or peeling lead-based paint may enter the body through inhalation or hand-to-mouth contact. Lead sources also include water that has passed through lead lined pipes, soil contaminated with lead paint chips, food grown in lead-contaminated soil and certain home hobbies and jobs in which one would come in contact with or use lead-based products.

Lead and children

Lead poisoning is dangerous to everyone. Children, however, run a special risk of being exposed to lead. Though the signs and symptoms may be few to none, low levels of lead in the blood over time may:

• Cause brain damage until the age of six
• Interfere with growth and development
• Diminish intelligence, lower IQ
• Decrease hearing ability resulting in behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, inability to concentrate
• High levels of lead can cause convulsions, coma and even death

Infants and children 5 years old and younger are especially at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies absorb lead easier than adults do, and they often put their hands and objects in their mouths. This allows lead and lead dust to be eaten.

Training for Contractors and Workers and Property Owners

Do you need training as a lead contractor, lead worker or a lead renovator?

Call Lead-Safe Springfield at 328-3930.

Lead Worker Training 

Why should Springfield residents be concerned about lead?

Before 1978, lead was a common ingredient in house paint. Houses built before this time can therefore pose risks for lead hazards if the paint is flaking, chipping and peeling. Since over 80 percent of Springfield's housing units were built before 1978, many houses in our community pose a health risk due to lead hazards.

What can be done?

• Keep children away from peeling, chipping paint. Wash their hands frequently, especially before meals. Make sure that they leave their shoes at the door to avoid the spread of lead dust throughout the home. Feed them a diet that is high in iron and calcium, but low in fat. (The body mistakes lead for iron.)
• Parents should have their children's blood tested, beginning at six months of age to one year, for the presence of lead. Testing may be done at your physician's office or health clinic. In addition, free testing is available at the Clark County Combined Health District. Call (937) 390-5600 for information on times and locations of testing clinics.
• Cleanliness is very important in the fight against lead. HEPA vacuums are available for use by Clark County residents from the Clark County Combined Health District. Call (937)-390-5600 for more information.
• You may qualify for a deferred loan to make your home lead safe.