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DHSS Press Release



Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Carl Kanefsky, Communications Director
(302) 540-4979, Pager
Email: carl.kanefsky@delaware.gov

Date: October 27, 2010
DHSS-81-2010





CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING DECREASES 96 PERCENT IN DELAWARE

Oct. 24-30 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week


Delaware has reduced the incidence rate of childhood lead poisoning from 17 percent in 1994 to 0.6 percent in 2009, a 96 percent reduction. Increased awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning, interventions and the removal of lead-based paint have all contributed to this decrease. Delaware has made much progress, but some children continue to be exposed to, and effected by, lead. In order to assure that lead testing is reaching the most at-risk children, SB 300, which will be published in the Dec. 1 register of regulations, will require additional targeted blood lead testing for some 22-26 month-olds who are at high risk of lead poisoning. Currently lead poisoning screening is required for children at 12 months. Because many children are not sufficiently mobile to become exposed to potential lead hazards prior to 12 months of age, it is helpful to test some children at 24 months as well.

To maintain Delaware's outstanding level of lead poisoning prevention, the Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Lead Poisoning and Prevention reminds residents to take these steps to protect children:



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