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Child Care

Child Care. Lead Poisoning Prevention. Developed by the Child Care Health Consultation Program Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services with information from the California Department of Public Health “Child Care Lead Poisoning Prevention” training curriculum, Second Edition, 2006.

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Child Care

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  1. Child Care Lead Poisoning Prevention Developed by the Child Care Health Consultation Program Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services with information from the California Department of Public Health “Child Care Lead Poisoning Prevention” training curriculum, Second Edition, 2006

  2. Introductions • Name • Job (Owner/operator, worker, parent) • Type of day care you work in

  3. Training Objectives • Understand the lead poisoning as a problem • Identify simple steps to reduce lead exposure • Learn how to inspect your facility /environment for hazards • Share information with families to encourage testing for children who may be exposed

  4. Why is Lead Poisoning a Problem? • One of the most common and preventable environmental illnesses in children one to six • In Missouri (2012) 4,672 children under six tested between 5 and 9.9 micrograms per deciliter • The CDC recommends action be taken on blood tests above 5 micrograms Source: http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/index.php

  5. What puts kids at risk? • Peeling and chipping paint containing lead becomes dust • Lead is found in soil • Children explore their environment with their hands and mouths • Children (especially under six) spend a lot of time on the floor, where lead can be tracked in from outside sources

  6. Health Effects of Lead • Because they are in a rapid stage of growth and development, children are more vulnerable to lead’s toxic effects • Lead poisoning can harm their brain development (learning problems, lower IQ) • Physical development can also be slower • Children can develop anemia as a result of lead poisoning

  7. How Do You Tell if a Child is Lead Poisoned: TESTING • Most do not look or act sick • Testing is the onlyway to know for sure • Blood testing is recommended for all children between 6 months and 3 years of age • Children receiving Medicaid benefits are required to be tested at 12 and 24 months of age Source: Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services

  8. Testing (continued) • Newborns of mothers who were suspected to have elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy should be tested • Children and pregnant women living in pre-1978 housing should be tested more frequently during and after any renovations • Any child living of visiting 10 hours per week in a high risk area should be tested annually Map available: http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/pdf/StatewideMap.pdf

  9. Sources of Lead • Lead-based paint (usually in homes built before 1979) • Chipping and peeling paint • High friction areas • Soil • Home or folk remedies • Hobbies—stained glass, fishing (sinkers) • Containers (leaded glass, ceramics) • Plumbing • Imported candies /wrappers • Cosmetics • Antique toys • Painted furniture • Clothing worn by parents who work in factories where there is lead (Battery plants)

  10. What Can You Do? • Help tell parents about lead • Refer parents for testing • Post / provide information • Provide children good nutrition • Reduce exposures in your facility or child care environment

  11. Reducing Environmental Exposure • Wash Toys regularly • Especially pacifiers and toys that are frequently in the mouth • Check toys for chipping or peeling paint • Don’t use old or imported toys unless you know they are lead-free

  12. Cleaning Recommendations

  13. Reducing Exposure –Handwashing Hands carry germs and lead dust to the mouth Wash your hands: • Before eating and handling food • After using the rest room / diapering • After playing outside • Before sleep (bed time/nap time) – especially children who suck their thumbs You can teach kids a short song while washing their hands to assure a good wash

  14. Lead and Nutrition • Calcium and Iron can help prevent the absorption of lead by the body • A full stomach reduces the amount of lead absorbed by the body • Children need three regular meals • Offering nutritious snacks between meals (high in calcium and iron) helps reduce lead absorption

  15. Exposure to Lead--Remodeling • If you are remodeling the day care, or you know parents who are remodeling: • Risk is greater if built before 1978 • Outdoor play area is near heavy automobile traffic • Building is near industrial areas where lead products used to be or still are being produced

  16. Lead Testing Your Center or Home • Certified Lead Inspectors can check your home or day care • Your State or Local Health Department can help you arrange testing • Test kits are available at hardware stores for pottery

  17. Resources • Local Health Department Environmental Public Health Specialist • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Lead Program: 573-751-6102 or 866-628-9891 http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/index.php

  18. Questions???

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