[126] MTSU, Discovery Museum Partner to Show Lead Poisoning Dangers

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu
Tennessee Alliance for Lead-safe Kids contact: Leigh Woodcock, 865-244-4350 (Knoxville office) or woodcock@mtsu.edu


MTSU, Discovery Museum partner to show lead poisoning dangers

MURFREESBORO — Middle Tennessee State University is partnering with the Discovery Museum of West Tennessee in Jackson 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 Discovery Museum and used for program activities and as an exhibit display.

The display will be featured during Free Family Nights and during the National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which is Oct. 23-29. The museum is located at 305 E. College St. in Jackson.

“We are fortunate to have HUD grant funding for this type of activity and fortunate to have found such a gracious partner in the Discovery Museum of West Tennessee,” 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. Children even can visit “Dusty” the dog to see just how easy it is pick up lead dust.

“This story board 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, MTSU TN LEAP (Tennessee Lead Elimination Action Programs) officials said. According to 2006-08 American Community Survey, more than 13,000 homes in Madison 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.

Contact the museum at 731-410-8621 or 731-425-8367 for hours of operation. Accommodations can be made for special hours or groups.

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Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. MTSU is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special events and activities throughout the 2011-12 academic year.
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