L.E.A.D. ENGLEWOOD FROM LEAD

Lead Education and Development

A SMART Communities Initiative Sponsored by Loyola University

WHAT IS LEAD?

LEAD IS A TOXIC CHEMICAL

• ODORLESS• TASTELESS

So WHAT is it??

• Paint Chips• Contaminated Water/ Dust

From WHERE?• Homes built before 1978• Windows• Porches • Doors

LEAD LEADS TO WHAT??

LEAD POISONING

How?

• By touching old paint chips• By touching contaminated dust• By drinking contaminated water • By putting contaminated hands in mouth• By passing contamination to fetus via

pregnant mom

What are the Effects?

Irreversible BRAIN DAMAGE• Learning Disabilities

• Behavioral Problems

How do I know if I’ve been Poisoned?

You may NOT seem sick… but, you may experience…

• STOMACH PROBLEMS

• TROUBLE SLEEPING

• LESS ENERGY

• DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING

Can I treat it?

NO!!Effects are IRREVERSIBLE!!!

The BEST way to Prevent Lead Poison is to PREVENT EXPOSURE

How do I PREVENT EXPOSURE?

• Wash hands often

• Clean your house often

• Stay away from chipped paint

• Have a professional test your paint

• Eat healthy

Who is MOST at RISK?

• Children, 0-6 years old

• Pregnant Women

Can this REALLY affect ME or my KIDS?

The SHORT ANSWER IS YES!

• Illinois has the highest number of lead poisoned children

AND

• Lead levels in Englewood are DOUBLE the citywide rate

REMEMBER

LEAD POISONING IS 100% PREVENTABLE

THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL FOR LEAD

INFORMATION RESOURCES:www.leadsafeillinoisorgwww.cityofchicago.org/healthwww.epa.gov/leadwww.tenants-rights.org