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Lead is still a serious problem
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Published: March 13, 2009
Updated: 03/12/2009 08:20 pm
The Journal article "Lead levels in children dropped 84%" (March 2) might lure readers into a false sense of relief. Locally, lead is still a serious problem. The majority of our children have not received blood tests for lead, yet Forsyth County posts the highest percentage of pre-1978 housing in North Carolina. Approximately 47,000 housing units (60 percent) are presumed to have lead paint.
Because of this level of risk, the Forsyth County Board of Health passed a stricter and warranted childhood lead-poisoning rule implemented in January 2009. Testing of all children age 1 and 2 is strongly recommended. Unsafe remodeling practices and deteriorating paint pose the greatest risk. Very small amounts of lead dust can create permanent damage affecting intelligence, behavior and physical well-being.
Readers who want more information should consult these Web sites: www.changeiaf.org or www.co.forsyth.nc.us/Public Health/lead_home.aspx.
MARY LYNN WIGODSKY
CHAIRWOMAN, CHANGE HEALTH AND WELLNESS TEAM
Winston-Salem
Outstanding health director
The article "Board wants more powers" (March 8) begs for comment:
1. The proposal by the Forsyth County commissioners to change the existing legislation would not affect the septic-tank or food-inspection programs. They are programs to carry out state regulations and policies.
2. It has been scientifically proved that tobacco smoke is harmful.
3. People who in the past have been involved in growing tobacco or manufacturing cigarettes are not bad people -- they did not understand the effects of smoking on the people who were exposed to it. This includes many generations of my ancestors, who made their living by growing tobacco.
(When I attended public-health school, most of the students, including me, and instructors were heavy smokers. When I attended public-health conferences in the 1950s, the smoke was usually so thick that it was difficult to see the presenter.)
4. Dr. Tim Monroe, the director of public health, is charged with the responsibility of protecting the health of all of the people in this county. Although it is often argued that an individual should have the right to do whatever he wants to do to his own health, the courts seem to have come down on the other side of this argument. The helmet laws are good examples.
5. Forsyth County is blessed to have an outstanding health director. I don't think that you could find one anywhere who has carried out the responsibilities as specified in his job description better than Tim Monroe.
FRED G. OVERSTREET
Pfafftown
Overstreet is the retired Forsyth County director of environmental health. -- The editor
Genesis account
In reference to the February 25 letter "Religion and marriage," religion is any belief; one can be "religious" about taking a bath every day. However, those who believe the Genesis account of creation, where one man and one woman constitute a marriage, would also see the latter part of Romans 1 as truth. This chapter tells us clearly why homosexuality is wrong.
But for those who choose to believe evolution, I can see that living however one chooses is OK.
God said that he is the same today as he was yesterday and that he is forever the same, and after this life is the judgment. Whether we choose to believe this doesn't matter; it's real, and one day we will face him whether we do good or not.
I choose to believe the Bible, not evolution and all its preposterous claims.
CAROL PULLIAM
Oak Ridge
Providing jobs for Americans
Kudos to the Journal for the article on Thorlo socks ("Sock Survivalists," March 9). It was encouraging to read a story about a manufacturer who decided to stay in the United States and provide jobs for Americans.
Perhaps the Journal would consider a series of features on products that are made here. It would be extremely positive as well as very helpful. So many of us would willingly purchase quality goods that meet our needs and help retain jobs for our neighbors, our community and our country in these difficult times.
I'm off to a local sporting-goods store to buy some Thorlo socks. They may be more expensive, but not nearly as costly as losing jobs to overseas factories. Thanks again for the good story.
KATHLEEN ROHDE
Winston-Salem
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