EPA Grant Awarded to Northern California Tribe to Help Stop Lead Poisoning in Children

LA Testing provides lead testing solutions for tribal communities, municipalities, property owners and environmental professionals.

Los Alamitos, CA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded almost $50,000 to a Northern California tribe to help fund childhood lead prevention. Big Valley Rancheria will utilize the funds to determine the extent of lead poisoning in their children, identify potential lead hazards and fund prevention efforts.

The lead prevention efforts will be focused on pre-1978 tribal housing and facilities that house children. According to the EPA, “approximately 75 percent of the U.S. housing stock built before 1978, or 64 million homes, contain some lead-based paint.” Even though the use of lead in paint has been banned since 1978, its legacy is still being felt by communities across the nation. Old lead pipes, solder and plumbing fixtures can also expose people to lead.

Lead is of particular concern to young children as their growing bodies can absorb more lead and their brain and nervous systems are more sensitive to the negative health effects. Children often place their hands and objects in their mouths allowing for lead from deteriorating lead based paints to enter their bodies. In fact according to the EPA, “to reduce your child’s exposure to lead, get your child checked, have your home tested and fix any hazards you may have.”

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical, is a leading provider of lead testing laboratory services, test kits and sampling supplies to clients across the West Coast. “Prevention of lead poisoning in children is the most economical and effective method to prevent this exposure,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “High levels of lead may cause children to suffer from hyperactivity, hearing loss, stunted growth, learning disabilities, damaged nervous systems and diminished brain functions.”

For additional resources or to learn more about lead and other environmental testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail