Georgia

Breaking Barriers: Georgia's Initiative to Combat Lead Poisoning Through Education

In Georgia, a groundbreaking initiative is reshaping the landscape of lead poisoning prevention through innovative outreach and education. The Georgia Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has uncovered a startling reality: in 2024, an alarming 92% of lead poisoning cases in Public Health District 2 were linked to non-traditional sources, particularly affecting children in underserved or lower-income communities. Examples of non-traditional sources of lead include glazed clay pottery, imported spices, ceremonial make-up, use of fishing weights and lures, and use of car and house keys. Georgia Public Health District 2 includes Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties. Major cities in the Atlanta Metro area served by the district are Cumming and Gainesville. This revelation underscores the urgent need for targeted education to raise awareness among families and medical professionals about these hidden risks.

To tackle this challenge, the Public Health District 2 Lead Poisoning Prevention Program released an engaging children's book titled Peek-a-Boo, Lead Hides There, Too!. This bilingual resource aims to educate young readers and their families about what lead poisoning is, how exposure can occur, lead sources, and when testing is necessary—all presented in a fun and accessible format. By partnering with local schools, pediatric clinics, and community libraries for distribution, the program ensures that critical health information reaches children in places they frequent the most. Additionally, recognizing the communities it serves, the book has been translated into Spanish to eliminate language barriers.

Since its release in 2024, Peek-a-Boo, Lead Hides There, Too! has made a significant impact on lead poisoning prevention efforts across multiple states. With nearly 2,000 families reached at high-impact events like the National Lead and Healthy Housing Conference, the book enhances understanding of lesser-known lead exposure sources while reinforcing the importance of regular testing. By educating healthcare providers on everyday risks associated with lead exposure and encouraging proactive health measures among families, this initiative has contributed to higher screening rates for young children, facilitating earlier detection and intervention for those at risk.