Children in Nevada and throughout the nation still face potential lead poisoning as a result of lead-based paint and dust in their homes.

To help solve this life threatening problem, UNLV's Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies is participating in National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 24-30.

A free informational meeting on the dangers of lead in houses and other types of buildings, including child care centers, is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25 in the auditorium of the Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd. The discussion also will involve the laws now in effect to protect the public from this hazard.

Because the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission banned the use of lead in paint in 1978, it is rare to find lead-based paint in homes built after that year, according to Kathy Lauckner, who is representing the Harry Reid Center in the new Campaign for a Lead-Safe America.

Nationally, nearly 1 million preschool-age children have enough lead in their blood to harm them, she said.

Since 1997, the Harry Reid Center has been notified of four children in Nevada with elevated levels of lead in their blood, Lauckner said. Since Nevada does not have a lead screening program, the total number of children affected is unknown, she explained.

The Harry Reid Center has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency planning projects for public outreach and currently is the only EPA-accredited training facility in the state for activities involving lead hazard identification and removal.

For additional information, call Lauckner at 895-1423 or send an e-mail to lauckner@nevada.edu.