National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet 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. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is committed to eliminating this burden to public health.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

CDC and HHS share the goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning in the United States by 2010. During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (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);
• Highlight partner’s efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning; and
• Urge people to take steps to reduce lead exposure.

Annual NLPPW Events

NLPPW occurs every year during October (S.Res.306). During NLPPW, many states and communities offer free blood-lead testing and conduct various education and awareness events. For more information about NLPPW activities in your area, please contact your state or local health department.

2009 NLPPW posters: What’s on your walls?

CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have developed posters that are free for states and communities to download.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Flyer (English) [PDF - 143 KB]
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Poster (English) [PDF - 167 KB]
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Flyer (Spanish) [PDF - 136 KB]
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Poster (Spanish) [PDF - 149 KB]

NEW for 2009

CDC, EPA, and HUD planned these 2009 NLPPW activities:

1. YouTube Video Contest. The contest ended October 1, 2009; awards were announced during CDC's National Environmental Public Health Conference on October 27th. The top 3 winning videos received $2500, $1500, and $1000 respectively. The contest was designed to:
   • Educate the public about lead poisoning prevention and the danger of lead exposure in a 30 to 60 second video.
   • Possible topics included teaching people how to prevent lead poisoning in their home and school, steps to prevent lead poisoning using lead safe work practices, or sharing a personal story about lead poisoning.
2. Smithsonian’s National Zoo exhibit: “What’s scarier than Halloween? Lead Poisoning!” More than 20,000 children are expected to attend this event October 23- 25, 2009 in Washington, DC.

For additional information about preventing childhood lead poisoning visit:

• The National Lead Information Center at http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm or call 1-800-424-LEAD (5323);
• CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead;
• EPA at http://www.epa.gov/lead/; or
• HUD at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

Previous NLPPW Materials

2008 Posters: Let’s Wipe Out Lead Poisoning - Renovate Right!
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (English) [PDF - 374 KB]
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Spanish) [PDF - 388 KB]

2008 Audio Podcasts

• Is Your Child Safe from Lead Poisoning?
  Dr. Mary Jean Brown, CDC's Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch Chief discusses the importance of testing children for lead poisoning, who should be tested, and what parents can do to prevent lead poisoning.
• Renovate Right: Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children
  Dr. Maria Doa, EPA's Director of National Program Chemicals Division discusses EPA's new rule for renovations, repairs, and painting activities.

2007 Posters: Protect Our Most Valuable Resources - Our Children
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Poster 1 (English) [PDF - 5.6 MB]
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Poster 1 (Spanish) [PDF - 5.86 MB]
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Poster 2 (English) [PDF - 4.19 MB]