Food & Consumer Safety (FCSS)
Mission Statement
The mission of FCSS is to provide public health
protection through the delivery of technical services, education and
training, information, and enforcement of health protection standards
through local health departments serving Montana counties. The goal is
to reduce the incidence of diseases and the occurrence of unhealthful
conditions in Montana's retail food service, wholesale food, public
accommodations, pools, spas, body art facilities and other
institutions which serve the public.
For
More Information contact:
Custer County Environmental Health
Jim Zabrocki, Sanitarian
1010 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Phone: 406-874-3490
MONTANA LEAD POISONING PREVENTION
PROGRAM
Lead Poisoning in the United
States
Lead is a potent and
pervasive toxic metal, whose deleterious health affects have been
documented for centuries. Extensive global reliance on the use of
lead has caused widespread environmental lead contamination and human
exposures. Far from being a problem of the past, childhood lead
poisoning remains one of the most serious threats to the health and
well being of developing children. Some of the more severe effects
from elevated levels of lead in a child’s blood include damage to the
central nervous system resulting in learning disabilities and
behavioral problems which have been associated with increased drop out
rates, delinquency and other lasting socioeconomic problems. In the
most severe cases lead poisoning may result in seizures, coma and even
death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized
lead poisoning as a condition that is 100% preventable.
Yet despite efforts by the CDC and state health organizations, it is
estimated that nearly half a million children in the United States
possess blood levels high enough to cause damaging effects. The
United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention have established the goal of
eliminating elevated blood lead levels in children by the year 2010.
Important Facts about Lead
Poisoning
• Because their bodies are still
developing, young children and babies are most vulnerable to lead
poisoning.
• A pre-born infant has the same blood lead level as his/her mother.
• Even very small amounts of lead can cause mental and behavioral
problems in children.
• Most children who have lead poisoning appear to be healthy.
Who is at Risk?
- Children six years old and younger
are most at risk of lead poisoning, because:
- Children's rapidly developing
bodies absorb lead more readily than adult bodies
- Young children explore their
environment by placing objects in their mouths. These objects can
have lead dust on them.
- Young children play inside on
floors where lead dust is likely to collect, and outside in soil
that can be lead-contaminated.
- Children and families living in
housing built prior to 1978.
- Children or families who have lived abroad or families who have
imported or received products from abroad.
Effects of Childhood Lead
Poisoning
Children are most sensitive to the
damaging effects of lead, which is particularly harmful to cognitive
and behavioral development. Children poisoned by lead may suffer
irreversible cognitive and behavioral problems as a result of their
early prolonged exposure, such as:
- Mental retardation
- Learning disabilities
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive
Disorder (ADHD)
- Hearing problems
- Aggressive or violent behavior
Recommended Blood Lead
Screening Guidelines for Children
The United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recommends:
- Screen all children at least once
prior to 2 years of age
- Screen all children 36 to 72
months of age who have not been previously screened
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