Learn to get lead out of homes at New Haven's Lighthouse Park Sunday

NEW HAVEN >> The New Haven Health Department’s Bureau of Environmental Health, the Yale Lead and Healthy Homes Program and Mayor Toni Harp will act as hosts for the 14th Annual Lead Awareness Picnic in the Lighthouse Park Carousel Building starting at 11 a.m. Sunday

"Lead poisoning is one of America’s leading preventable environmental health threats to children," the release said.

"Childhood lead poisoning is a serious issue – an estimated 890,000 children between the ages of one and five are living with elevated blood lead levels in the United States. Locally, health care providers reported that 92 children tested positive for elevated blood lead levels in New Haven in 2013."

"This interactive community event aims to educate local families about childhood lead poisoning prevention through discussion, educational giveaways and entertainment. Paul Kowalski, New Haven Health Department’s Acting Health Director, will join representatives from the Health Department, the Yale Lead and Healthy Homes Program, other service agencies and local entertainers in providing lead poisoning prevention information designed to teach parents and children how to reduce the risks of this serious and preventable illness," the release said.

Health Department staff will be on site to answer questions. Educational materials, giveaway items and refreshments will be available, the release said. The event runs until 3 p.m.