According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 250,000 U.S. children have blood lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health. Major sources of lead exposure among U.S. children are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings.
Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, however, lead poisoning is entirely preventable.
To increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, CDC, EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with local health departments, are participating in NLPPW, with events such as state proclamations, free screenings, lead-awareness community events and educational campaigns conducted nationwide.
This year’s theme underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects. Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:
- Get your home tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
- Get your child tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
- Get the facts! Your local health department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning.
For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/nlppw.htm or call 1-800-424-LEAD.