IDPH observing Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

(WAND) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is observing Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 19 to 25, reminds parents and caregivers of young children about the dangers of lead poisoning and how to prevent it.

“Protecting our children from the harmful effects of lead exposure is a critical public health priority. The Department continues to expand lead testing and adopt stricter standards to ensure that Illinois’s children stay safe,” said IDPH Director Sameer Vohra in a statement.

Illinois adopted more strict standards for lead testing in blood this year, seeing an almost 60% jump in high-level lead tests from January to August.

Lead exposure can come from things like lead pipes and toys imported from overseas.

Additional information is available on the IDPH's website.

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