National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

This year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is October 20-26! NLPPW is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and Tribal, state and local governments to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness. NLPPW highlights the many ways parents, caregivers, and communities can reduce children’s exposure to lead and prevent its harmful health effects. October is also Children’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness about children’s environmental health, including the dangers and potential health impacts of lead.

Each year, EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) work together to develop outreach materials to be used by the public to plan, promote and host events and activities during NLPPW.

The 2024 theme is “Bright futures begin lead-free” because we all want bright futures for our children and communities. We invite you to join us this NLPPW to raise awareness about lead since every child in every community deserves a bright, lead-free future.

The outreach materials center on three key messages:

1. Get the Facts: Lead is still a problem in many communities. Learn about lead exposure, lead hazards, and how you can protect you and your family.
2. Get Your Child Tested: A blood test is the best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test if your child may have been exposed to lead.
3. Get Your Home Tested: Minimize your risk of lead exposure by hiring a certified professional to test your home for lead if it was built before 1978.