‘Get the Lead Out’ 5K set for Oct. 27 in city

10/19/2013

Editor's note: Story updated to reflect correct date of the race.

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department’s “Get the Lead Out” 5K race-walk will be Oct. 27 at Ottawa Park. The annual event is just one way the agency promotes awareness about the causes and dangers of childhood lead poisoning.

Although the percentage of lead poisoning cases in Lucas County continues to decrease, the Toledo area ranks third in Ohio in childhood lead poisoning cases, officials said. The most common source is chipping and peeling paint around windows or doors in older homes or buildings. Children often eat the paint chips because of their sweet taste.

Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body and cause irreversible physical and mental damage.

More information can be found at gettheleadout5k.info.