Lead Hazards: Information, Prevention, Treatment and News

Many homes built before 1978 have paint that contains high levels of lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. If you live in a home built before 1978 and you are pregnant or have children, your children may be at risk of exposure to lead. The resources on this page will help you learn more about the effects of lead-based paint exposure and offer tips and resources to help you protect your children from lead hazards.

Protect your Family from Lead in your Home (Notice from the Environmental Protection Agency and The Department of Housing and Urban Development) (17 pages)

Lead Resources

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning/Effects

Lead poisoning - an overview of the signs and symptoms, causes, screenings, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment for lead poisoning. (By the Mayo Clinic, reprinted by CNN.com, July 07, 2003.)

KeepKidsHealthy.com- A Pediatricians Guide to your children's health and safety

Lead Poisoning Prevention -prevention and treatment for lead poisoning, from lead-poisoning-news.com.

Preventing and Treating Lead Poisoning in Children (by the American Academy of Family Physicians)

Nebraska Resources for Lead Hazard Control Programs

Nebraska Health and Human Service System Lead-Based Paint Program

Douglas County Health Department Lead-Based Paint Program

National Resources for Lead Hazard Control Programs

Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control

Local News

Children in East Omaha are testing positive for elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream at three times the average nationwide rate. The EPA has targeted about 20 square miles of east Omaha for testing and cleanup under the federal Superfund program. A study noted that within the 20-square-mile area:

About 42 percent of yards are testing above the EPA's threshold of concern for soil contamination.
About 63 percent of homes date back to the 1950s or earlier, when household paint contained large amounts of lead (Omaha World Herald, June 8, 2004.)

Because of their increased exposure to lead, children in or near East Omaha should be tested annually for elevated blood levels.

EPA aims to get the lead out of more yards, Omaha World Herald, December 16, 2004

EPA chief backs Omaha lead cleanup funds, Omaha World Herald, October 6, 2004

Report says east Omaha children need tests for lead, Omaha World Herald, June 8, 2004