Lead Poisoning Prevention
Childhood lead poisoning remains one of the most serious threats to the health and well being of developing children. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. The only sure way to diagnose lead poisoning is with a simple blood test.
Despite improved industrial containment methods and medical interventions, lead poisoning remains an important occupational and environmental health concern.
Information for Parents and Families
Children's rapidly developing bodies absorb lead more readily than adult bodies. This, combined with children's natural exploration of their surroundings makes them especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. The most common lead exposure for children is from lead-based paint, which was commonly used in homes prior to 1978. Children may also be exposed to lead through consumer products, toys, and parents' hobbies.
Learn how to protect your family from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
General Lead Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lead Website
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Web site
- Lead Poisoning in Adults - a guide for health care providers - provided by the NYS DOH
- Occupational Safety and Health Administrative (OSHA) Lead Standards
- Non-lead sources of ammunition
Publications
Product Recalls
Resources for Health Care Providers
- Announcement: Response to the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Report, Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call for Primary Prevention
- Managing Elevated Blood Lead Levels Among Young Children: Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (2002), CDC
- Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials
ADMINISTRATIVE RULE OF MONTANA
Information for Contractors and Construction Workers
Environmental Protection Agency Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule
On March 31, 2008, EPA issued the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, requiring that contractors and construction professionals follow lead-safe work practice standards while working in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities. Full implementation of the rules, requiring contractors to be certified by the responsible authority, will be in April 2010
- EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program Rule (Summary)
- Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program Rule (Complete text)
- Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program) A handbook for contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel
Disclosure Rule
EPA Disclosure Rule TITLE 40, PART 745
Contractor Training and Certification
The following firms/organizations are approved by EPA to provide training:
Michael Vogel
MSU Extension
Bozeman, MT 59717
Tel: (406) 994-3451
mvogel@montana.edu
Austin Peterson
I.C. Environmental
Christine, ND 58015
Tel: (701) 740-0104
austin.peterson@ic-environmental.com
Contact Us:
Public Health Lead Surveillance and Investigation
Please contact your local health department, or
Montana Environmental Health Education and Assessment Program1400 Broadway
P.O. Box 202951
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Helena, MT 59620
Tel: (406) 417-9848
Training and Certification and Consumer Inquiries
Michael Vogel
Montana State University Extension
P.O. Box 173580
Bozeman, MT 59717
Tel: (406) 994-3451
Fax: (406) 994-5417
Location: 102 Taylor Hall
mvogel@montana.edu
Communicable Disease Epidemiology
Staff Listing
To submit a question or comment to the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Program, please click on the suggestion box to access our online form.
Other Program Areas
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (HIV/STD)
The DPHHS CDEpi Section mission is to create, maintain, support, and strengthen routine surveillance and detection systems and epidemiological investigation processes, as well as to expand these systems and processes in response to incidents of public health significance.