Lead Safe Babies, a Philadelphia group dedicated to educating parents about the dangers of lead poisoning, was honored this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of five groups in EPA Region 3 receiving the 2005 Children’s Environmental Health Excellence Award.

The award honors groups or individuals that demonstrate leadership and have a track record in protecting children from environmental health risks. In addition to a formal recognition, the winners will receive use of the Children's Environmental Health Award Logo.

The Lead Safe Babies program provides new mothers with the necessary education and materials needed to keep their children free from lead poisoning. Outreach workers visit mothers in their homes, and educate them about how they can prevent their children from becoming lead poisoned by doing things like washing children’s toys, cleaning surfaces weekly and staying away from peeling paint..

Mothers are also given a “lead bucket” filled with cleaning supplies to help remind them of the importance of wiping surfaces and eliminating dust to prevent their children from ingesting lead. Lead buckets also contain crayons and coloring books for other children in the family.

Outreach workers then follow up with the caregivers just before the baby reaches nine months of age, and encourage them to get their children screened for lead poisoning.

4/8/2005