Kansas plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning

The Kansas Lead Advisory Committee announces a plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the state by 2010. The committee, organized by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment through its Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program, is a multi-agency work group consisting of state and local governments as well as private sector interest groups and individuals.

The plan is called "The Public Health Action Plan for the Elimination of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Kansas by 2010." The plan calls for a collaborative effort to reduce and eliminate lead risks in homes before children are exposed. The main areas of focus are health and housing. Within the areas of focus the essential components are: education and outreach, surveillance, housing, legislation, and primary prevention.

Lead poisoning is a preventable pediatric health problem affecting Kansas' children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 6,400 children in the at-risk age group of 6 to 72 months have blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter ( m g/dL).

For information on how to prevent lead poisoning or for a copy of "The Public Health Action Plan for the Elimination of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Kansas by 2010" contact the Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program toll free at 1-866-865-3233.