Van Hollen Statement on Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Statement

Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement on Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:

"It is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a time when every Marylander should ask themselves if they've done everything possible to protect themselves and their children from the dangers of lead. Nearly half a million children in the United States have blood lead levels that are above what is considered safe, despite the fact that lead poisoning is a completely preventable environmental disease. The CDC recommends testing for all children who may have been exposed to lead by the age of 6 -- and preferably between the ages 1 and 2. If you live in an old home or building, make sure the paint is not lead-based. Information on Maryland's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is available here.

"In addition to doing everything possible to prevent lead poisoning, we also need to protect those who are already suffering. That's why I'm working to crack down on companies that are taking advantage of victims of lead poisoning -- many of whom suffer cognitive disabilities due to lead exposure--by buying the victims' structured settlement payments at a fraction of their true value. This is an outrageous scheme that must be ended."

Source