National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

This week, the week of 20-26 October, is being observed as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Bright futures begin lead-free."

Childhood lead poisoning is considered one of the most preventable environmental disease among young children. However, an estimated 250,000 U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime.

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strives to:

• raise awareness about lead poisoning,
• stress the importance of screening the highest risk children younger than six years of age (preferably by ages one and two) if they have not been tested yet,
• highlight efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning, and
• urge people to take steps to reduce lead exposure.

Background information:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

CDC: Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes