Halloween event highlights lead testing

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.-- Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is taking place Oct. 20-26 and with Halloween right around the corner, the
St. Joseph County Department of Health is hosting two Halloween and Lead Testing events.

The first event is taking place at OneRoof Southeast on Monday, Oct. 21, from 3-7 p.m. 

The second event will be at the Charles Black Center on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 3-7 p.m.

These events aim to provide information on lead poisoning prevention in St. Joseph County and to screen children six and under for lead.

Lead can cause irreversible health issues for children, both physically and cognitively. Lead is a neurotoxin, and no amount of lead is safe. The only way to know if lead is in the body is to conduct lead screenings. 

In addition to the testing, they will have fun games for the kids face painting, balloon art, and free haircuts available.

Children who get tested for lead will be entered to win one of two grand prizes: free tickets to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum or tickets to ice skating at Howard Park.

Since this is a Halloween event, attendees and vendors are encouraged to wear costumes.