Despite efforts at education and prevention, children in Guilford County continue to be exposed to lead hazards such as peeling lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, mini-blinds and other sources. One of our challenges includes the increase in elevated blood lead levels in children whose “families” are not United States natives.

Nationally, about half a million children in the United States have been diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels that are enough to harm them. North Carolina has state regulations concerning lead poisoning and prevention. Guilford County has passed it's own county ordinance addressing Childhood lead poisoning and prevention.

“Thanks to this national effort and the involvement of many wonderful partners and community groups, we’ll be bringing messages on lead safety to the people who are in the best position to do something to protect children still at risk,” said Tobin Shepherd , Director of the Environmental Health Division.

Lead poisoning is 100 percent preventable with the proper education and training. The Guilford County Department of Public Health has a variety of materials that are distributed locally, including brochures in English and Spanish. In addition to educational materials and recommendations, the Department also offers the Preventive Maintenance Program to help homeowners and landlords identify potential lead hazards and eliminate or reduce them by using lead safe work practices, and more. We offer training on lead safe work practices when needed. The Health Department also offers FREE blood lead test for children under the age of six.

For more general lead information, contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD, 422 South Clintin Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, or visit www.epa.gov/lead.

For more local and state information regarding statistics or educational material, please contact Guilford County Department of Public Health at 641-3771, or visit State of North Carolina DENR's Children's Environmental Health Branch. Here you will find more information on the State's lead program efforts and the State regulations.