Lead Poisoning Prevention 101

Suites 8 & 9

Most people have a sense that lead can be poison people and that things have gotten better since the 1970s.  But they are uncertain why there is so much focus on lead poisoning now – more than 20 years when lead was eliminated from gasoline, paint and most food containers.  

This session is designed to address those uncertainties.  Participants will get the facts on blood lead levels in Indiana, who is getting poisoned, what the trends are, and what are the primary sources of lead poisoning.  They will learn how the latest health impacts research gives a sense of urgency to efforts to prevent – not treat – lead poisoning.  With an understanding of the basics, participants will understand which federal, state and local agencies involved, how they work together, and what they require.  Finally, they will receive a clear explanation of what is required of contractors, property managers, landlords, homeowners to protect children.  

Moderator:       Kathleen Kraner – Memorial Hospital South Bend.  Ms. Kraner is the Children’s Lead Coordinator for Memorial Hospital and the “Get the Lead Out” Task Force in St. Joseph County. As Lead Coordinator she works directly with the county health department and the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka to coordinate programs and services to provide lead safe housing, and lead testing for children in St. Joseph County. Kathleen has spent the last six years working on coalition building and program implementation at the national, state and local level through prevention and health service promotions.

Speakers:         Ellen Schellhause – HealthVisions.  Ms. Schellhause provide technical support and analysis for the Lead-Safe Allen County Coalition.  She will address issues involving basic exposure, screening, monitoring, and community education.

                        John Casey – Greentree Environmental.  Mr. Casey is a licensed risk assessor and inspector.  He has extensive experience identifying lead hazards in the home and developing practical recommendations to reduce those hazards.  He will address EPA, HUD and OSHA rules and introduce lead-safe work practices.