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“LEAD-FREE KIDS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE”

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“LEAD-FREE KIDS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE” 
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Michigan Department of Health 
and Human Services (MDHHS), is participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The annual 
event focuses on the many ways to prevent lead exposure to children before they are harmed. 
 
The CDC estimates that nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead 
levels at 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher.  Anyone can become lead poisoned but children between 6 months 
and 6 years of age are most at risk.  Most children who have been exposed to lead do not act or look sick until 
their blood levels are seriously elevated.  Lead can often be found in homes built before 1978 that used lead 
based paint, in contaminated soil and water as well as in some products that come to the United States from 
other countries. 
Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable.  
Preventing exposure to lead is the best way to protect children.  The Central Michigan District Health Department 
wants to remind parents it is very important to have their children tested and to learn the risks of lead exposure.  
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems related to delays in growth and development, reduced 
IQ, behavior and attention difficulties, hearing loss and kidney damage.  
     Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to 
help protect your family: ? Get your home tested. Before you buy or rent an older home, ask about lead. Talk with your local health 
department about testing paint and dust in your home for lead if you live in a home built before 1978. 
? If you are remodeling, renovate safely. Common renovation activities (like sanding, cutting, replacing 
windows, and more) can create hazardous lead dust. If you are planning renovations, use contractors 
certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (visit www.epa.gov/leadexternal for information). ? Talk with your child’s doctor about a simple blood lead test. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk with 
your doctor about exposure to sources of lead.  ? If your child is on or eligible for the Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC) ask about lead screening 
at the WIC office. The Central Michigan District Health Department’s WIC program provides this 
screening to children less than 5 years of age with Medicaid. We also do lead testing for kids with private 
insurance on WIC and if your child is enrolled in an Early Head Start or related preschool program. ? Remove recalled toys and toy jewelry from children if they have lead in them and discard as appropriate. 
Stay up-to-date on current recalls by visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website: 
www.cpsc.govexternal.  ? Get the facts! Our health department branch offices can provide you with helpful information about 
preventing childhood lead poisoning.  Contact us by phone or visit our website at www.cmdhd.org. You 
can also call 1-800-424-LEAD. ? For more information visit the following sites: http://www.Michigan.gov/lead, http://leadfreekids.org, 
or http://www/cdc/gov/   
The World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us that there is no known level of lead exposure that is 
considered safe. Take action! Lead poisoning is 100% preventable. 
Have your child tested! 

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Up North Voice  and  UpNorthVoice.com  are Northern Michigan’s source for community news.

We cover seven counties that include the following communities: Hale, Roscommon, St. Helen, Houghton Lake, Prudenville, Grayling, Frederic, Waters, Gaylord, Johannesburg, Lewiston, Atlanta, Comins, Fairview, Mio, Rose City, West Branch, Skidway Lake, Sand Lake area, Glennie, Oscoda, East Tawas, Tawas City, and National City.

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UpNorthVoice.com is Northern Michigan's source for community news.

We cover seven counties including Crawford, Roscommon, Oscoda, Ogemaw, Iosco, Arenac and Montmorency counties in print and / or online.

We are also a full-service commercial design and printing house. Our specialty is custom commercial printing, as well as the creation of clothing, cups and other marketing products.

To submit information for publication, or for questions regarding promotion of your business through web or print, as well as promotional items such as hats or cups, please email info@UpNorthVoice.com, or call 989-275-1170.

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