VDH reveals new mascot to help bring awareness to hidden lead hazards

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Health has revealed its mascot aimed to spread awareness about the hazards of lead.

Meet Chip, the alligator on a mission to tackle hidden lead hazards by helping families recognize and reduce lead hazards in their homes.

According to the VDH, "Chip brings a friendly, memorable face to an important safety message."

Lead was banned from household paints and water pipes in 1978, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If your house was built prior to that, there is a higher chance it contains higher content.

While lead poisoning can pose serious health risks to anyone, the VDH states that children are especially at risk.

"Lead can have severe and lasting effects on a child’s health and development," shared Childhood Lead Poising Prevention Program Coordinator, Ashley Koski. "It is often invisible, and symptoms of lead exposure aren’t always obvious. Therefore, many families do not realize they have been exposed until they have been tested."

So why an alligator? According to the VDH, lead can be difficult to detect, but cracked lead-based paint often has a scaly texture that resembles alligator skin.

"This is when it becomes hazardous, as chipped, peeling paint can turn into paint chips or dust. It’s commonly found on porches, stair railings, windowsills, and doors, especially in homes built before 1978," per the VDH.

Old paint chips are the most common sources of lead exposure due to its potential to flake off and turn into dust.

This dust then settles on surfaces and can be inhaled or swallowed. However, the VDH explains that intact lead based paint that is in good condition "generally does not pose an immediate risk, but it can become dangerous if it deteriorates or is disturbed."

How to understand and recognize the risk

The VDH emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead in the blood and that even small amounts can impact a child's learning, behavior and physical development, which it said is "why testing and prevention is so important."

Families with young children especially ages one to two are at a greater risk and should contact their healthcare providers about lead tests.

Children on WIC or Medicaid or for those who live in or regularly spending time in older homes, should be tested. Children who are new to the U.S. or those who have a parent with a lead-related hobby or occupation are at greater risk for exposure.

A full list of criteria for children at greater risk for lead poisoning is available here.

How to reduce you risk

• Clean floors and surfaces regularly using wet methods
• Wash children's hand, toys and bottles often
• Prevent children from playing in bare soil
• Remove shoes before entering the home
• Prep nutritious meals high in calcium, iron and vitamin C
• Use cold tap water for cooking and drinking
• Keep paint intact and undisturbed

For more information on lead and lead poisoning click here.