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The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that the Illinois
Department of Public Health Lead Program is holding 11 meetings around the
state to inform the public about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
Renovation, Repair and Paint Rule and explain the process for certification.
Two local meetings are:
MOLINE: Wednesday, February 22nd from 9:00am-Noon
(8:30am Continental Breakfast)
I-Wireless Center, 1201 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265
PEORIA: Wednesday, March 21st from 9:00am -Noon
(8:30am Continental Breakfast)
ITOO Hall, 4909 W. Farmington Rd., Peoria, IL
Michele Beckstrom, RN Health Department Lead Program Coordinator,
states, "The new law requires contractors, property managers and others paid
to replace windows or renovate residential houses, apartments and
child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to be certified by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This new law is intended to protect
children from leaded dust thay may result from disturbing lead-based paint."
Common activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create lead
hazards that can be harmful to children and adults. In 2008, more than
5,000 Illinois children had elevated blood lead levels. This new federal
law has the potential to significantly decrease childhood lead poisoning.
Beckstrom adds, "There is no safe level of lead in the body. Lead
poisoning can cause health problems including decreased I.Q., learning
disabilities, kidney disease, high blood pressure, miscarriage, and birth
defects."
For more information on and a full schedule about the meetings, contact
Eleanor Davis at 217-524-2081. To register online, visit
www.ienconnect.com/enviro
