Which action is an example of secondary prevention for children in environmental health?

Which action is an example of secondary prevention for children in environmental health?

• A. Vaccinating against polio
• B. Screening preschool children for lead exposure
• C. Building a playground to promote activity
• D. Distributing pesticide safety brochures

Answer: (B)

Secondary prevention aims to identify health problems early so they can be treated or mitigated before symptoms or complications occur. Screening preschool children for lead exposure fits this idea because it detects elevated blood lead levels before any signs appear, allowing timely interventions to reduce ongoing exposure and prevent neurodevelopmental harm. Vaccinating against polio prevents the disease from occurring in the first place (primary prevention). Building a playground promotes physical activity and overall health (a primary prevention/health-promotion activity). Distributing pesticide safety brochures provides education to reduce risk but does not identify or treat an existing condition (primarily a preventive/educational measure).

Secondary prevention aims to identify health problems early so they can be treated or mitigated before symptoms or complications occur. Screening preschool children for lead exposure fits this idea because it detects elevated blood lead levels before any signs appear, allowing timely interventions to reduce ongoing exposure and prevent neurodevelopmental harm. Vaccinating against polio prevents the disease from occurring in the first place (primary prevention). Building a playground promotes physical activity and overall health (a primary prevention/health-promotion activity). Distributing pesticide safety brochures provides education to reduce risk but does not identify or treat an existing condition (primarily a preventive/educational measure).