1 Proclamation
Whereas, each year National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, and industry, as well as state, tribal, and local governments, to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness and reduce childhood exposure to lead; and
Whereas, lead exposure in children can result from multiple sources and can cause irreversible and life-long health effects; and
Whereas, lead poisoning is preventable; the key is to keep children from coming into contact with lead; and
Whereas, lead can be found where children live, play , and learn, including in paint, soil, water, consumer products, imported foods and medicines, and in certain jobs and hobbies; and
Whereas, many homes in Alameda were built before 1978; the older the home, the more likely it is to contain multiple layers of lead-based paint; and
Whereas, the primary means of preventing lead poisoning is removing lead hazards from the environment before a child is exposed. To make your home lead safe, make sure the products you use do not contain lead, and take steps every day to stay healthy, including eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep; and
Whereas, secondary prevention of lead poisoning includes blood lead testing, follow- up care, and referral to a healthcare provider. Most children with lead in their blood will have no obvious symptoms initially; and
Whereas, education and awareness about the dangers of lead can help protect children living in the City of Alameda.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim October 22-28, 2023, as
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
in the City of Alameda and encourage residents to observe this week by taking steps to make their homes lead safe.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor