Delaware County health officials have launched a “Lead Free in 1-2-3” campaign hoping to alert residents to possible dangerous lead conditions in their homes, writes Justin Udo for KYW Newsradio.
“It’s an education campaign to really help our county recognize that lead poisoning’s still a problem here, and there’s resources to help,” said Lora Werner, director of the Delaware County Health Department.
The program at LeadFree123.org offers resources, prevention tips, and testing options.
Every year, hundreds of children in Delaware County are diagnosed with lead poisoning, she said.
The health department’s 17-week lead-free program will use billboards, bus shelter ads, and social media to raise lead poisoning awareness and encourage testing.
“I think there’s just a misunderstanding that this is an old problem, and we took care of it already. And it’s just not true,” Werner said.
Delaware County is a historical county with old housing, “and that’s a majority of places where we all live,” she said, raising the chances of lead in the homes.
It’s mainly children who contract lead poisoning, which leads to slower brain development, lower I.Q., reduced attention span, as well as hearing and speech difficulties.
Find out more about the county health department’s lead-free in 1-2-3 campaign at KYW Newsradio.
