MTSU, Hands-On Science Center warn public about childhood lead poison dangers
MURFREESBORO — Middle Tennessee State University is partnering with the Hands-On Science Center in Tullahoma to educate local residents about the dangers and prevention of childhood lead poisoning.
Using Housing and Urban Development grant funding, MTSU has donated a lead poisoning prevention storyboard that will be housed by the Science Center and used for program activities and as an exhibit display. The display will be featured during free family nights, field trips and during the National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 23-29).
“We are fortunate to have HUD grant funding for this type of activity and fortunate to have found such a gracious partner in the Science Center,” said Dr. Kathy Mathis, co-principal investigator of MTSU lead grant programs. “They are the ones who will roll up their sleeves and get the information out there. Alone we would not be able to reach the number of parents and children that this partnership allows.”
More than 6,000 museum visitors will enjoy this interactive exhibit, learning about lead hazards in homes, the importance of testing for lead poisoning and easy lead poisoning prevention tips, MTSU officials said. Children can even visit “Dusty” the dog to see just how easy it is pick up lead dust.
“This storyboard offers very valuable information in a way that really engages parents and children,” said Dr. Carol Boraiko, co-principal investigator of MTSU lead grant programs. “Kids will love the ‘Dusty the Dog’ mascot and being able to see the imitation ‘lead dust’ glow under the black light. Parents will love the wealth of information and simple prevention tips given by the interactive display,”
Children largely are exposed to lead through peeling and chipping paint or lead dust in homes built before 1978. According to the 2006-08 American Community Survey, more than 8,000 homes in Coffee County were built before 1978.
A lead-poisoned child can seem like a healthy child; a simple blood test is the only way to know for sure. Effects of childhood lead poisoning can include lowered IQ points, developmental and growth delays, learning disabilities, violent and aggressive behavior and coma or even death, researchers have determined.
Join the conversation about lead poisoning prevention on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MTSUHealthyHomesforTennessee.
The Hands-On Science Center, located at 101 Mitchell Blvd. in Tullahoma, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and closed Mondays. For more information, call 931-455-8387.
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