Bangor News
10/24/2017 - The City of Bangor Recognizes Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 22-28
Bangor, Maine: The City of Bangor is teaming up with the Bangor Public Library Children's Department to provide lead poisoning prevention information on Wednesday, October 25 & Thursday, October 26 between 10 AM and 12:30 PM in recognition of lead poisoning prevention week. Families are invited to visit the library between these hours to learn more about lead safety.
Children living in older homes are at greater risk for lead poisoning. "Lead safety is an issue for many families in Bangor," says Sara Yasner, the Healthy Communities Grant Coordinator for Bangor Health and Community Services. "Nearly 43% of the Bangor housing stock was built before 1950, where the risk of lead paint exposure is highest." Peeling paint and dust from renovations can create hazards for inhabitants, especially young children. However, by following a few necessary precautions, children can grow up safely in older homes.
The first step to reduce the chance of lead poisoning is to request a Free Home Lead Dust Kit through the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) website: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/eohp/lead/lead-kit-request.html. In addition, a simple blood test available through a doctor's office can identify lead exposure.
For more information about lead poisoning prevention, visit the Children's Department at the Bangor Public Library on October 25 & 26 between 10 AM and 12:30 PM, visit the Maine CDC website at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/eohp/lead/ or call Bangor Health and Community Services at 992-4462.