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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - October 21-27, 2007

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"Protect Our Most Valuable Resource - Our Children"

Lead is a highly toxic metal that at one time was an ingredient in many household products, including lead-based paints manufactured before 1978.  The primary source of lead exposure among U.S. children is the lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust and soil found in and around old, deteriorating buildings.

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered to be the most preventable environmental disease of young children, yet an estimated 310,000 U.S. children have elevated blood lead levels.  A simple blood test can prevent a lifetime spoiled by the irreversible damage caused by lead poisoning.

While the national goal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the United States by 2010, the goals of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week are

  • To raise awareness about this serious health issue;
  • To emphasize the importance of screening the highest risk children younger than 6 years of age, preferably screening them by 1 to 2 years of age;
  • To highlight existing childhood lead poisoning prevention partnering efforts and to increase the establishment of new efforts; and
  • To urge people to take steps to reduce their possible exposure to lead.

As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, many state and communities plant to make official proclamations, to offer free lead screening, and to conduct various education and awareness events.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed posters for use by states and communities. 

For more information about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week activities in your area, please contact your state or local health department.  

The following are additional sources of information on childhood lead poisoning prevention: