"Let's Wipe Out Lead Poisoning–Renovate Right!"
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:
As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), many state and communities plan 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 (CDC), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), have developed posters for use by states and communities.
New for 2008: Listen to NLPPW podcasts!
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:
Last updated: 10/01/2008