Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborate on a national outreach effort to observe National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), held this year from October 21-27. NLPPW is a call to action to bring together families, individuals, community-based organizations, state and local governments and others, to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness and increase efforts to reduce childhood exposure to lead. NLPPW also highlights the many ways parents can reduce children’s exposure to lead in their home environment and prevent its serious health effects. There are three key themes this year:
- Get the Facts: Find out about the hazards of lead.
- Get Your Home Tested: Find out how to minimize risks of lead exposure by hiring a certified professional to test older homes for lead.
- Get Your Child Tested: A simple blood test can detect lead. Consult your health care provider for advice on testing your children.