Welcome to
SHB’s Lead Hub
Guarding Lives, Preventing Harm: Combat Lead Poisoning for a Safer Future
Welcome to Somali Health, your hub for a healthier you. Join Somali Health in our mission to combat lead poisoning and create a safer future for our communities. Led by Maymuna Hajji, our dedicated program lead, we are committed to raising awareness, providing education, and taking decisive action to eradicate lead poisoning from our environments.
Education is a core focus of our work. We provide workshops, training sessions, and informational resources to help people recognize the signs of lead poisoning, comprehend its health implications, and learn effective prevention strategies. By empowering communities with knowledge, we enable them to make informed decisions and take action to safeguard their loved ones.
Empowering Solutions to Combat Lead Poisoning
Maymuna Haji
Lead Program Manager
Lead can be found in black eye powder also known as kohl, kajal, surma or sormeh may contain lead. You can be exposed to lead if this powder gets into your eyes or mouth.
What can you do about it?
• Wash your hands after handling.
• Keep containers away from children.
• Use lead-free alternatives when possible.
• Ask for a blood lead test from your doctor.
Lead’ kujira indha kuusha, Kajal, surma iyo sormeh
Budada madow ee indhaha lagu kuusho oo sidoo kale loo yaqaan indha kuul, kajal, surma ama sormeh waxaa kujiri kara ‘lead’. Waxaad noqon kartaa qof uu soo gaaray ‘lead’ haddii budadani ay gasho indhahaaga ama afkaaga.
Maxaad Ka Qaban Kartaa?
• Dhaq gacmahaaga kadib markaad gacanta ku qabato shayga.
• Weelka ay kujiraan ka fogee carruurta.
• Isticmaal waxyaalo aan ‘lead’ lahayn markii ay suurtogal tahay.
• Ka codso dhakhtarkaaga in ‘lead’ dhiigga laga baaro.
Ma jirto heer ledh aamin ah oo ku jirta jirka. Ledh waxay dhaawici kartaa cid kasta, laakiin carruurta yar-yar iyo dumarka uurka leh halis gaar ah ayay ugu jiraan.
Carruurta yar-yar waxay ledh ku gaari karaan cunitaanka, calaalinta ama jiqitaanka alaabta lagu rinjiyeeyay ledh. Walxaha birta ahna waxay ka koobnaan karaan ledh. Muddo kadib dusha rinjiga ledh ayaa jajaba noqdana dhas aan la arki Karin oo sumeeya guryaha iyo ciida. Dhaska ama ciida ayaa ku dhaga alaabta carrurtu ku ciyaarto, faraha iyo walxaha ay carruurtu afka gashadaan.
There is no safe level of lead in the body. Lead can harm anyone, but young children and pregnant women are at special risk.
Young children can be exposed to lead by eating, chewing, or sucking on lead-painted objects. Metal objects may also contain lead. Over time, lead paint on surfaces crumbles into invisible dust that contaminates homes and soil. This dust or soil clings to toys, fingers and objects that children put in their mouths.
Regular Testing and Inspection
Conduct routine testing and inspections to identify lead sources in your environment. This includes testing paint, water, and soil for lead content. Promptly address any areas or items that test positive for lead, such as chipped paint or corroded water pipes, by taking appropriate remediation measures.
Education and Awareness
ncrease awareness about lead poisoning among your community and promote education on prevention strategies. Share informational resources, organize workshops, and collaborate with local organizations to disseminate knowledge about the dangers of lead and how to protect against exposure. Advocate for lead-safe policies and support initiatives that aim to eliminate lead hazards.
Lead-Safe Practices
Adopt lead-safe practices in your daily life. Encourage handwashing before meals, especially for children, to minimize ingestion of lead-contaminated dust or soil. Clean and regularly wet mop floors and surfaces to reduce lead dust accumulation. Ensure proper ventilation during home renovation or remodeling projects to prevent the spread of lead particles.
