2 NEWS previously highlighted the issue of lead, which hides in plain sight where our children live, play, and learn. In Dayton, Ohio, the problem of lead exposure is a serious concern.
It’s a day that hits even closer to home.
The lasting impact of lead poisoning is something a mother from southwest Ohio knows all too well. According to her, her family will continue to feel its effects for the rest of their lives.
They are determined to assist other families in preventing a comparable future.
According to Josie Watson, her ordeal began when she discovered that her dream was about to turn into a nightmare.
Watson shared how she and her partner faced a unique situation during the pandemic. They purchased a house that was built back in 1911, and simultaneously, they were expecting a baby. Despite knowing that lead was present in the house due to its age, they didn’t pay much attention to it at the time.
Lurking Lead
The situation went unnoticed until the health department sent a letter informing her that her daughter had been tested positive for hazardous levels of lead.
Josie expressed her devastation, stating that as a parent, the ultimate responsibility is to ensure the safety of their children. She believed that they had taken all necessary precautions at the time, making the situation even more heart-wrenching.
According to Josie, her daughter was put at risk due to a lack of knowledge.
According to Josie, they lacked the necessary information to ensure the safety of their own home.
She is now determined to ensure that other parents are better equipped with information.
According to Josie, there are certain misconceptions and stereotypes that people believe about those who experience certain situations.
According to Josie, lead can be present in any home, even if it seems unlikely.
According to Josie, the surfaces that experience impact or friction are referred to as “impact surfaces” or “friction surfaces”. Even in a renovated home, opening and closing doors can result in the release of small amounts of lead.
You can find traces of lead not only in paint, but also in outdoor environments, play surfaces, vintage toys, and even in dishes manufactured before 2007.
Finding the origin of the problem and resolving it can take a considerable amount of time.
Josie reflected on the six months her family spent away from their home. “During that time, I gained a new perspective on our house and every other home I see,” she shared. Her experience gave her a deeper appreciation for the comfort and security that a home provides.
In her perspective, the lurking lead could have potentially caused her daughter to sustain permanent injuries.
Josie explained that lead in children’s blood can have devastating effects on their brain. She compared it to a car crash or traumatic brain injury, emphasizing that the damage is permanent. This is a heartbreaking reality for children and their parents, and Josie wished she could offer better news.
As a parent herself, she empathizes with the fear and guilt that can come with lead poisoning. However, she wants to reassure other parents that even if it does happen to their child, it’s important to remember that it’s not their fault. She believes that it’s crucial for parents to be aware of the steps they can take to prevent lead poisoning, but also to understand that accidents can still happen.
Josie encouraged letting go of the shame associated with having a child with blood poisoning, reminding that it is not one’s fault. She pointed out that there are many others who face the same challenge, and it is important to not let shame weigh one down.
Josie has devoted herself to expanding her knowledge about lead since her daughter’s diagnosis. In fact, she went the extra mile and became certified in lead abatement herself.
In addition, she collaborates with other families to enhance the safety of their dwellings and secure funding to defray the expenses incurred in removing lead from their homes.
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