Child Care - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Child Care

Lead Poisoning Prevention

Developed by the Child Care Health Consultation Program

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

with information from the California Department of Public Health “Child Care Lead Poisoning Prevention” training curriculum, Second Edition, 2006Slide2

Introductions

Name

Job (Owner/operator, worker, parent)

Type of day care you work inSlide3

Training Objectives

Understand the lead poisoning as a problem

Identify simple steps to reduce lead exposure

Learn how to inspect your facility /environment for hazards

Share information with families to encourage testing for children who may be exposedSlide4

Why is Lead Poisoning a Problem?

One of the most common and preventable environmental illnesses in children one to six

In Missouri (2012) 4,672 children under six tested between 5 and 9.9 micrograms per deciliter

The CDC recommends action be taken on blood tests above 5 micrograms

Source:

http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/index.phpSlide5

What puts kids at risk?

Peeling and chipping paint containing lead becomes dust

Lead is found in soil

Children explore their environment with their hands and mouths

Children (especially under six) spend a lot of time on the floor, where lead can be tracked in from outside sourcesSlide6

Health Effects of Lead

Because they are in a rapid stage of growth and development, children are more vulnerable to lead’s toxic effects

Lead poisoning can harm their brain development (learning problems, lower IQ)

Physical development can also be slower

Children can develop anemia as a result of lead poisoningSlide7

How Do You Tell if a Child is

Lead Poisoned: TESTING

Most do not look or act sick

Testing is the

only

way to know for sure

Blood testing is recommended for all children between 6 months and 3 years of age

Children receiving Medicaid benefits are required to be tested at 12 and 24 months of age

Source: Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesSlide8

Testing (continued)

Newborns of mothers who were suspected to have elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy should be tested

Children and pregnant women living in pre-1978 housing should be tested more frequently during and after any renovations

Any child living of visiting 10 hours per week in a high risk area should be tested annually

Map available:

http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/pdf/StatewideMap.pdfSlide9

Sources of Lead

Lead-based paint (usually in homes built before 1979)

Chipping and peeling paint

High friction areas

Soil

Home or folk remedies

Hobbies—stained glass, fishing (sinkers)

Containers (leaded glass, ceramics)

Plumbing

Imported candies /wrappers

Cosmetics

Antique toys

Painted furniture

Clothing worn by parents who work in factories where there is lead (Battery plants)Slide10

What Can You Do?

Help tell parents about leadRefer parents for testing

Post / provide information

Provide children good nutrition

Reduce exposures in your facility or child care

environmentSlide11

Reducing Environmental Exposure

Wash Toys regularly

Especially pacifiers and toys that are frequently in the mouth

Check toys for chipping or peeling paint

Don’t use old or imported toys unless you know they are lead-freeSlide12

Cleaning Recommendations

AFTER

EACH USE

DAILY

WEEKLY

MONTHLY

Mouthed toys

Vacuum rugs

Mop

floors

Window sills

Baseboards

Walls (don’t use abrasives)

Changing

tables

DAILY

OR WHEN SOILED

Drinking fountains

Carpets (Deep clean every 6 months

Food service counters/surfaces

Toys

Hard surfaces Toilets

Door knobs

Cubbies

Cribs

Trash

cans Refrigerators

INSPECT

MONTHLY

for chipping paint

& bare soil

Tables

Kitchen floors counters

AT LEAST WEEKLY, PREFER DAILY

Move furniture (cribs) away from

Dishes and eating

utensils

Sinks

Waste Cans

Mop

heads

Cloth toys

possible sources

Laundry

Dress-up clothesSlide13

Reducing Exposure –

Handwashing

Hands carry germs and lead dust to the mouth

Wash your hands:

Before eating and handling food

After using the rest room / diapering

After playing outside

Before sleep (bed time/nap time) – especially children who suck their thumbs

You can teach kids a short song while washing their hands to assure a good washSlide14

Lead and Nutrition

Calcium and Iron can help prevent the absorption of lead by the body

A full stomach reduces the amount of lead absorbed by the body

Children need three regular meals

Offering nutritious snacks between meals (high in calcium and iron) helps reduce lead absorptionSlide15

Exposure to Lead--Remodeling

If you are remodeling the day care, or you know parents who are remodeling:

Risk is greater if built before 1978

Outdoor play area is near heavy automobile traffic

Building is near industrial areas where lead products used to be or still are being producedSlide16

Lead Testing Your Center or Home

Certified Lead Inspectors can check your home or day care

Your State or Local Health Department can help you arrange testing

Test kits are available at hardware stores for potterySlide17

Resources

Local Health Department Environmental Public Health Specialist

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Lead Program:

573-751-6102 or 866-628-9891

http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/index.phpSlide18

Questions???