
(credit CBS)
By Dr. Brian McDonough
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and several organizations are asking that families with young children get their homes tested for lead.
READ MORE: North Philadelphia Crash Leaves Young Girl Dead; Sister, Mother InjuredIf your house or apartment building was built or painted before 1978 , the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say you might want to get your home tested for dust from lead-based paints.
This is particularly important in a city like Philadelphia, where many of the homes are older, and have been painted with lead-based paint.
READ MORE: Former Pennsylvania AG Kathleen Kane Scheduled To Appear In Scranton Courtroom Following DUI ChargeLead paint is a hazard in 38 million homes nationwide.
According to the CDC, childhood lead poisoning is the most preventable environmental disease among young children.
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