Oct. 24-30 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Oct. 27, 2010
The 2010 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) runs Oct. 24-30 with a theme of “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future.”

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.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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