It's a troubling statistic...one in seven children have high lead level tests according to the Peoria City/County Health Department.

The department is trying to create awareness about lead poisoning with a day-long seminar at Peoria's Common Place.

It's called a silent disease.

Lead... a heavy metal that does not degrade over time.

Items like stained glass, ammunition and especially older paint... contain lead.

Roberta Burns, with the Peoria City/County Health Department says, "People wonder why we have such a problem in the Peoria area... we have a lot of older homes. And what happens, old windows, they're raised up and down. That eventually releases that paint. And children put a lot of things in their mouths. Then they are exposed to that lead."

That exposure to lead can lead to many health problems.

Burns says, "What happens to lead when it gets into the body, it settles in the brain. It can cause learning problems, behavior problems, children could lose IQ points that they could never get back."

To raise awareness of these dangers... a seminar at Common Place addresses issues involving children's health.

Burns says, "It needs to be a holistic community approach. The health department can't do everything on their own. We need other people in the community involved in our program."

The Friendship House's Catalina Zavala tries to convey the dangers of lead to area Hispanic families.

Zavala said, "I tell them to be careful when they are fixing the house and maybe replace the windows. When then are renting, I tell them to check the windows check the walls for signs of lead."

But the health department's warning is not just about lead... it's also educating people about mold, pests and radon.

They are also warning about excess moisture, radon and pests in homes.

Health officials say there are even new worries about radiation in granite countertops.

New reports suggest some granite may pose a radiation hazard.

Health officials say if you're concerned...get the granite tested by professionals...and use your local health department as a resource to help keep your family safe.