The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are teaming up to host free educational sessions about the dangers of lead and how to reduce and prevent exposure.

There’s no known safe level of lead in the human body, and children are especially at risk because their bodies absorb more lead than adults. Educating yourself about lead is important because lead can be found in homes, air, soil, and water—all places where children live, learn, and play.

Lead exposure can cause negative health effects in both children and adults. Among children, lower IQ, slowed or stunted growth, and hearing problems are just some of the long-lasting health effects that can be caused by lead.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to reduce and prevent potential lead exposure.

The sessions will help those who attend understand what lead is, how people can be exposed to it, why people should be concerned about lead, how people can reduce potential exposure to lead, and where more information about lead can be found.

Registration for the following events is required:

• March 19, Pocatello City Hall, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Register
• March 19, Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Activity Center, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Register
• March 20, Twin Falls, College of Southern Idaho, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Register
• March 21, Boise, Riverside Hotel, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Register
• March 22, Boise, Boise Center on the Grove, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Register

Train-the-Trainer lead awareness curriculum in Boise

The Train-the-Trainer lead awareness curriculum is for people who’d like to teach others about lead. The training will be March 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. Registration is required to attend.

Participants will learn how to use and modify the Lead Awareness Curriculum to teach others in their communities about lead, lead exposure, and actions to reduce and prevent childhood lead exposure.  

The curriculum is a robust set of educational tools that provide practical, on-the-ground, community-based resources to reduce childhood lead exposure in communities. Those who attend will receive a digital certificate of participation after completing the training. Prior knowledge of lead or lead exposure is not required.  

Training will include:

• The potential sources of lead exposure and the impacts and effects lead can have on humans, wildlife, the environment, and cultural practices.
• Recommended cleaning techniques to reduce lead exposure in homes.
• How personal hygiene and nutrition can impact potential lead exposure. 
• Why hiring a certified lead professional is important for safe home renovations and cleanup.

To register for any of the trainings or for additional information, please visit the EPA’s Community Lead Awareness Sessions website or DHW’s Environmental Health Lead Webpage.

Kelly Berg is an Environmental Health Program Specialist for the Department of Health and Welfare.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening Idahoans' health, safety, and independence. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.