HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging families across the state to take precautions against lead exposure, warning that environmental hazards in older homes, contaminated soil and everyday household materials can pose serious health risks, particularly to young children.
The statewide awareness campaign, launched in observance of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, encourages residents to “Get the Facts. Test Your Keiki. Check Your Home.”
According to DOH, lead exposure can affect children’s learning, behavior, growth and development, with even low levels potentially causing lifelong health impacts.
For West Kauaʻi families, the campaign serves as a reminder to consider possible environmental hazards around homes, yards and other areas where children regularly play.
Lead hazards are often invisible. Although lead-based residential paint was banned federally in 1978, older Hawaiʻi homes may still contain the material. Decades of leaded gasoline use have also left residual contamination in some soils.
Other potential sources of exposure include deteriorating paint, contaminated household dust, drinking water, fishing tackle and work clothing that may carry lead particles into the home.
“Keiki are most vulnerable during their first few years as they begin crawling, touching everything and putting objects in their mouths,” said Derek Priddy, coordinator of DOH’s Hawaiʻi Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
“This stage passes quickly; taking simple steps now to get the facts, test your keiki and check your home can help your child succeed in school and beyond.”
Testing and prevention
Health officials recommend that children receive blood lead testing at ages 1 and 2 through their doctor or healthcare provider.
According to DOH, testing is covered by insurance and available at no cost through Med-QUEST.
Families are also encouraged to inspect their homes and surrounding properties for potential sources of exposure, including chipping paint, bare soil, work materials and older plumbing fixtures that could allow lead to enter drinking water.
The department emphasizes that preventing exposure before it occurs is particularly important during pregnancy and a child’s earliest months of life.
State launches public awareness campaign
As part of the initiative, DOH has partnered with local comedian and content creator Zavier Cummings, known as HowsDisGuy, to produce three public service announcements highlighting potential lead hazards in fishing equipment, older homes and everyday activities.
The department has also updated its childhood lead poisoning prevention website to provide families with educational resources, prevention guidance and access to program assistance.
In addition, DOH partnered with Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network to organize an Oct. 28 webinar featuring lead researcher Dr. Bruce Lanphear, whose work has helped establish that no level of lead exposure is considered safe for children’s development.
Health officials say identifying hazards early and testing young children remain among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of lead poisoning.
West Kauaʻi residents seeking additional information about lead testing, household hazards and prevention resources can visit lead.hawaii.gov.