TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Some Areas At Risk For Lead-Based Paint

ADVERTISEMENT

By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: August 15, 2008

SEBRING - Some county residents are still at risk from the dangers of lead-based paint, although the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned its sale for use in homes 30 years ago.

The 2004 hurricane season caused a possible long-term health threat, which has lasted much longer than it took to restore power and remove those blue FEMA roofs, according to Teresa Kelly, special products coordinator for The Health Councils Inc. of West Central Florida.

Highlands County children are especially at risk because of the rural setting and fewer financial resources available locally, said Kelly.

Kelly is working with an $80,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to get the word out on the dangers of lead poisoning, to contractors, physicians and residents in Highlands, Polk and Hardee counties, for the Lead Education and Awareness Project (LEAP).

She pointed out how storm damage and subsequent repairs to homes from Charley, Jeanne and Frances could have stirred up lead carrying dust and still affects county residents.

"You have to use the proper process on suspect paint; we suspect that a lot of homeowners did their own repairs," said Kelly. "And by some unlicensed contractors, there might have been unsafe work practices."

Lead-based paint is still the largest cause of lead poisoning in children. Peeling, chipping, caulking or cracking can contaminate dust with lead. When lead-based paint is dry scraped, surfaces bump together or are sanded, and dust can get contaminated.

Lead at high levels can cause convulsions, coma or death. Lower levels can affect the central nervous system, kidneys or blood cells. Even extremely low blood levels can impair mental and physical development.

LEAP is targeting the Avon Park area for suggested childhood screening and testing for children ages 1 and 2.

Donna Stayton, health educator for the Highlands County Health Department, noted that migrant workers are at greater risk.

"Because we are such a big migrant community and a lot of migrant workers live in older homes, that's where you can often find the dust (with lead)."

Locally, free LEAP seminars will take place in Highlands County on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Two free programs are open to the public.

"Lead Safe Work Practices Training" will give both professionals and residents the chance to learn about the dangers of lead dust, how to contain it, how to work safely, cleaning up after a job and planning. Training is at the Highlands Agri-Civic Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A seminar, "Lead Poisoning Prevention Train the Trainer" will also take place on Aug. 28 at the county health department, 7205 S. George Blvd., from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Advance reservation, by Aug. 22, is required, by calling 877-476-2299 or at www.leadsafetraining .org.

For information on lead paint, call the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or go to www.epa.gov/lead

Bill Rettew Jr. can be contacted at 863-386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT