National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 24-30
The Town of Blacksburg teams up with a local remodeler to increase awareness during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Every year, millions of children are exposed to dangerous amounts of lead, which if ingested or inhaled, can lead to serious developmental problems. Major sources of lead exposure among U.S. children are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in residential homes.
Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable.
To increase awareness of lead poisoning prevention, Blue Ridge Home Improvement (BRHI), a Blacksburg remodeler and leader in the industry for over 30 years, is teaming up with the Town of Blacksburg along with the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 24–30.
“You may ask why a remodeling company would be so concerned about lead poisoning,” said Tim Lawrence, president of BRHI. “The truth is, with the new EPA lead paint ruling, contractors and home improvement companies can be one of the leading culprits behind lead exposure in older homes. We want our community to know what this rule means to them so they can hold the building industry accountable.”
During NLPPW, Lawrence along with Cathy Cook, Building Official for the Town of Blacksburg, will hold a free class focusing on the new EPA lead-safe rule and lead poisoning prevention. The class is open to the public and will be held on Monday, October 25 from 7-9 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company Building, 400 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA.
“It is our responsibility to inform our citizens and property owners of the hazards that still exist concerning lead poisoning,” said Cook. “By providing these classes, our goal is to help educate our citizens about the importance of safe practices when altering, remodeling or renovating their homes to ensure the safety of their families when lead paint is encountered.”
This year’s NLPPW 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.
There are many ways to help reduce the risk of lead poisoning from lead-based paint. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:
- Get your Home Tested. Before you buy an older home or decide to remodel your home built before 1978, ask for a lead inspection.
- Get your Child Tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
- Get the Facts! Blue Ridge Home Improvement can provide you with helpful information about preventing lead poisoning. Contact them at [email protected] or visit their website at www.blueridgehi.com/Lead_Paint.php
Fore more information, contact Blue Ridge Home Improvement at [email protected] or 540-951-3505.
