Health Department providing free lead screenings at public health fair

Published on October 07, 2024

In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) will host a community health fair on Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the LINC Library in Greeley. The event is open to everyone and aims to raise awareness about lead poisoning and provide resources for prevention.

Attendees will have access to free blood lead screenings (while supplies last), educational materials on lead and nutrition, and lead testing for personal items such as cookware, jewelry and toys. Public Health Services will also be at the event offering flu shots. No registration is required.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed from Oct. 20 to26, 2024, is a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The goal is to empower families and communities to act against lead poisoning. This year's theme is "Bright Futures Begin Lead-Free."

Approximately 3.3 million U.S. households, including 2.1 million low-income households, have children under age 6 who are at risk of lead exposure. Even low levels of lead can negatively affect a child’s development, causing cognitive issues, delayed growth, learning and behavior problems and more. There is no safe level of lead in a child's blood, and minority and low-income families are disproportionately impacted. Lead exposure most commonly comes from lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 as well as from lead pipes, soil and dust. Children can also be exposed through contaminated food, toys, cookware and even adults’ jobs or hobbies.

For more information on the event and Weld County’s lead program, visit weld.gov/go/lead.