Monday, October 20, 2008

The Links Between Housing and Health

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America produced an issue brief on the relationship of housing and health. According to RWJF, "nationwide, 310,000 children ages 1 - 5 have elevated blood lead levels. Between 1998 - 2000, a quarter of the nation's housing - 24 million homes - was estimated to have significant lead-based paint hazards." According to the Northern Kentucky Health Department, one out of every 11 children in the United States has an elevated blood lead level. In Kentucky, 4,200 children may be affected by lead poisoning. The CDC recommends that very child should be tested for lead poisoning at ages 9 to 12 months and again at age 24 months. Children with a higher risk should be tested more frequently. The lead screening consists of a finger stick.

Cooperative Extension has a series of publications and fact sheets:
Lead Poisoning Prevention -ENRI-504
Lead and Drinking Water - ENRI - 207
Lead in and around the Home - IP-60

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