National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet approximately half a million U.S. children have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends public health actions be initiated. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC are committed to eliminating this burden to public health.

CDC and HHS share the goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning in the United States. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) occurs every year during the last full week in October. During NLPPW, CDC aims to:

• Raise awareness about lead poisoning
• Stress the importance of screening the highest risk children younger than 6 years of age (preferably by ages 1 and 2) if they have not been tested yet
• Highlight partners’ efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning
• Urge people to take steps to reduce lead exposure.