TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is holding a 5K road race this Sunday at Ottawa Park to raise awareness for lead poisoning.
The Ohio Department of Health says Lucas County comes in third in the state for the highest numbers of lead poisoning cases in children.
Organizers say that lead poisoning has been proven to have serious long term affects on kids such as Like behavioral problems and health problems.
Officials say many homes built back in the 70s in the area have lead paint. This is the most common way for a child to come in contact with it.
"We should be doing screening. Every child should be screened for lead levels no matter what, no matter where you live, in A or B, to see where they're at. Whether they are playing at a friend's house, you don't know where they're at, or what they're exposed to. So screening for lead is always a good idea," said Dr. David Grossman with the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department.
The health department says the 5K is a great way to get active and knowledgeable about lead poisoning.
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