WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT

During October there is a National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Madison's Director of Health, John Bowers urges all those living in houses built before 1978 to take precautions to protect children from lead poisoning. Ingestion of paint is common in children who are liable to chew on windowsills or flaking or chipping paint and lead paint has a slightly sweet taste which tends to bring children back for more.

The results of lead poisoning can be severe for anyone but are more common in children and include speech, language and behavior problems, reduced intelligence, retarded development and a host of other problems.

Lead poisoning can be detected with a blood test and treatment is available. Yale University Hospital has a special children's treatment unit.

The Madison Health Department urges you to investigate carefully if you think you may have lead paint in your home and especially if you think anyone in your home may be suffering from lead poisoning. Literature is available free at the Public Works desk at Madison Town Campus and at Scranton Public Library.