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March brings thoughts of green shamrocks, rainbows, and a little extra luck for St. Patrick’s Day. While we all hope our children grow up healthy and strong, when it comes to lead poisoning, luck alone isn’t enough. The good news is that childhood lead poisoning is preventable, and families can take simple steps to protect their children.
Lead exposure is still a modern problem, especially in communities with older homes. Many homes in Caroline County were built before 1978, when lead-based paint was commonly used. As that paint ages, it can chip, peel, or turn into dust. Young children can swallow this dust during normal play, often without anyone realizing it.
Lead is especially harmful to babies and young children because their brains and bodies are still growing. Even small amounts can cause learning problems, behavior issues, slowed growth, and trouble paying attention in school. Most children with lead exposure do not look or feel sick, which is why lead poisoning can go unnoticed without testing. That’s why prevention is so important and why acting now can help your child stay on the “lucky” path.
In Caroline County, common sources of lead include peeling or chipping paint in older homes, lead dust from windows, doors, and floors, contaminated soil near busy roads or industrial shops, drinking water from older pipes or plumbing, and home repairs or renovations that disturb old paint. With warmer weather on its way, home improvement projects can increase lead dust if done without proper safety steps. Keeping paint in good condition is one of the best ways to prevent lead exposure in older homes.
You don’t need a pot of gold to reduce lead risks. Small, everyday actions can make a big difference. For example, wash children’s hands often, especially before eating, wet-mop floors and wipe windowsills to reduce dust, leave shoes at the door to keep soil outside, avoid sanding or scraping old paint yourself, and feed children foods rich in iron and calcium, such as milk, cheese, beans, and leafy greens
A simple blood test can tell if a child has been exposed to lead. Children are routinely tested around ages 12 and 24 months, especially if they live in older housing. Talk to your child’s doctor and ask if lead testing is recommended. It’s a quick step that can help protect your child’s future.
Families in Caroline County can contact the Caroline County Health Department for information on lead testing, prevention, and available support services. The Maryland Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the Maryland Department of the Environment also offer education and resources for families with young children as well as pregnant women.
This St. Patrick’s Day, remember protecting children from lead isn’t about luck, it’s about awareness, prevention, and care. With a few simple steps, families can help ensure their children grow up healthy, strong, and ready to chase every rainbow that comes their way.
