Faulty faucets prompt warnings from Weld Health

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment is warning the public about the risk of lead exposure after a recent recall of several facet models, according to a news release issued on July 28. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a recall notice for several faucet models due to high levels of lead that can contaminate drinking water, posing serious health risks to infants, young children, and pregnant women.  

According to Weld County, lead exposure is more widespread than many realize and can be found in old paint, imported products, unexpected places, or household items. 

The county has developed a lead exposure prevention program to protect families. Families can arrange a free blood test for lead exposure or join community outreach events. 

You can also schedule an environmental inspection for homes where health officials tested a child with high blood levels. 

Its program partners with local healthcare providers to offer guidance on reporting requirements, follow-up procedures, and conducts public education on lead poisoning prevention and response. 

According to officials, lead poisoning often shows no visible symptoms, so testing is the only way to find out if a child has been exposed to lead in the home. 

Homes built before 1978 require families to take extra precautions, including frequent hand washing, cleaning surfaces, removing shoes at the door, and watching for any deterioration of paint, according to officials. 

For more details about the faucet recall, visit the CPSC website at https://www.cpsc.gov.

To schedule a free lead test or learn more about Weld County’s lead prevention program, call (970) 400-2226 or visit www.weld.gov/go/lead.