In Ohio, over 42% of houses were built before 1950, meaning
they most likely are a cause of lead poisoning. There are about 3.7 million
houses in the state that contain lead based paint on the interior or exterior.
Also floors can have dust and paint chips from old painted walls and the dust
can be inhaled or infants can ingest it from chewing on toys that were in the
dust. Lead can damage almost every internal
system in the body, no matter the age. Lead poisoning is the biggest
environmental threat to kids in Ohio. In
2009 in Athens County, 0 .99-2.02% of children tested for blood lead levels greater
than 10 milligrams. From 2005-2009 the highest blood-lead level from a confirmed
lead poisoning case has decreased by .81. In 2005 the number was 1.85 and in
2009 the number was 1.04. The prevalence of confirmed blood lead levels of
children less than 6 years old has decreased dramatically. In 1999, the
prevalence was 8.7%, in 2006, 2.2%, and in 2013, 0.8%. Some easy ways to
prevent children from being exposed to lead are: keeping them away from peeling
paint, mop floors and wipe dust of surfaces at least once a week, make sure
children wash hands often, and wash children’s toys, especially those that are
often chewed on by the child. Foods rich in iron and calcium such as meats,
dairies, and vegetables are good foods to eat to help prevent lead poisoning. The
number of children tested for high blood lead levels in Athens county back in
2009 was about 800. In Franklin County, however, over 30,000 were tested. In
2013, Athens county had 788 children under the age of 3 were tested for high
levels of blood lead. 761of the children had levels under 4 milligrams and 2 of
them had levels higher than 10 milligrams.
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