L.E.A.D. ENGLEWOOD FROM LEAD Lead Education and Development A SMART Communities Initiative Sponsored by Loyola University
WHAT IS LEAD? LEAD IS A TOXIC CHEMICAL ODORLESS TASTELESS
So WHAT is it?? Paint Chips Contaminated Water/ Dust From WHERE? Homes built before 1978 Windows Porches Doors
LEAD LEADS TO WHAT?? LEAD POISONING
How? By touching old paint chips By touching contaminated dust By drinking contaminated water By putting contaminated hands in mouth By passing contamination to fetus via pregnant mom
What are the Effects? Irreversible BRAIN DAMAGE Learning Disabilities Behavioral Problems
How do I know if I’ve been Poisoned? You may NOT seem sick… but, you may experience… STOMACH PROBLEMS TROUBLE SLEEPING LESS ENERGY DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING
Can I treat it? NO!! Effects are IRREVERSIBLE!!! The BEST way to Prevent Lead Poison is to PREVENT EXPOSURE
How do I PREVENT EXPOSURE? Wash hands often Clean your house often Stay away from chipped paint Have a professional test your paint Eat healthy
Who is MOST at RISK? Children, 0-6 years old Pregnant Women
Can this REALLY affect ME or my KIDS? The SHORT ANSWER IS YES! Illinois has the highest number of lead poisoned children AND Lead levels in Englewood are DOUBLE the citywide rate
REMEMBER LEAD POISONING IS 100% PREVENTABLE THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL FOR LEAD INFORMATION RESOURCES: