National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
October 24–30, 2021
Each year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness in an effort to reduce childhood exposure to lead. NLPPW highlights the many ways parents can reduce children’s exposure to lead in their environment and prevent its serious health effects. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our partners work to heighten awareness of lead poisoning, provide resources, and encourage preventive actions during NLPPW and beyond.
Closed Captioning is available for all webinars.
Commemorating 30 years of CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
Watch: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehsp/ehnexus/learn/2021/ehnexus_webinar_10272021.htm
CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program commemorated 30 years of working with state and local partners to eliminate childhood lead poisoning as a public health problem. A live virtual commemoration was broadcasted via Zoom and included a timeline of significant events in lead poisoning prevention over the last 30 years and a moderated panel discussion featuring state childhood lead poisoning prevention programs.
In addition, this webinar includes feature remarks from Dr. Patrick Breysse, Director of NCEH/ATSDR and Dr. Paul Allwood, Chief of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Surveillance Branch (proposed).
Childhood Lead Exposure in the United States: CDC’s Role in Prevention, Education, and Surveillance
Watch: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehsp/ehnexus/learn/2021/ehnexus_webinar_10282021.htm
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness in an effort to reduce childhood exposure to lead. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our partners work to heighten awareness of lead poisoning, provide resources, and encourage preventive actions during NLPPW and beyond.
CDC Subject matter experts discussed sources of lead in children’s environments, populations at higher risk, current trends among children in the U.S., prevention strategies, and current initiatives.
Exposición al plomo durante la niñez en los Estados Unidos: el rol de los CDC en la prevención, educación y vigilancia
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehsp/ehnexus/learn/2021/es/ehnexus_webinar_10272021.htm
La Semana Nacional de Prevención del Envenenamiento por Plomo (NLPPW, por sus siglas en inglés) es un llamado para reunir a individuos, organizaciones, industria y gobiernos estatales, tribales y locales para aumentar la conciencia sobre la prevención del envenenamiento por plomo en un esfuerzo por reducir la exposición infantil al mismo. El Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de EE. UU. (HUD), la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA), los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) y nuestros socios trabajan para aumentar la conciencia sobre el envenenamiento por plomo, proporcionar recursos y fomentar acciones preventivas durante la NLPPW y más allá.
En este seminario web, los expertos en la materia de los CDC analizaron las fuentes de plomo en los entornos de los niños, las poblaciones de mayor riesgo, las tendencias actuales entre los niños en los EE. UU., Las estrategias de prevención y las iniciativas actuales.

The themes of this year’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) are
- Get the Facts
- Get Your Home Tested
- Get Your Child Tested
The NLPPW Partner Information Kit pdf icon[PDF – 1.9 MB]external icon (en Español pdf icon[PDF – 1.5 MB]external icon) aims to help individuals, organizations, and state and local governments to work together to reduce childhood exposure to lead. The Partner Information Kit provides state and local governments and organizations with key materials and resources that are available for distribution to a wide array of audiences. The digital kit Includes:
- Basic Lead Poisoning Information
- Talking Points
- Steps to Create Localized Outreach
- Examples of Awareness Activities
- Customizable Materials
- Social Media and Multimedia
- Other Resources
For more information including downloadable/customizable materials such as posters, flyers, sample proclamation word icon[DOC – 30 KB]external icon, and a press release word icon[DOC – 36 KB]external icon, etc., please visit these partner websites:
You can actively participate with HUD, EPA, and CDC to spread the word about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by sharing messaging on social media using the hashtags #leadfreekids and #NLPPW2021. Interested in learning more about Lead from EPA, HUD, and CDC?
This year HUD, EPA, and CDC will be posting social media messages corresponding to daily themes.
- Monday, October 25th, 2021: Why Should I Be Concerned About Lead?
- Tuesday, October 26th, 2021: How Do I Know if There is Lead in My Home?
- Wednesday, October 27th, 2021: How Do I Know if There is Lead in My Drinking Water?
- Thursday, October 28th, 2021: How Do I Know if My Child Has Been Exposed to Lead?
- Friday, October 29th, 2021: How Can I Make Sure My Child Has Safe Crawls?
You can retweet or share messages sent from these social media accounts, use the sample social media posts provided below corresponding to the daily themes, or write your own!
Twitter:
- #DYK no safe blood lead level has been identified for children? The good news is that childhood lead poisoning is preventable! Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/infographic-lead-poisoning-preventable.htm #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2021
- If you work near lead-based products, you can carry lead dust home on your clothes. Keep your family safe by learning more about ways to prevent bringing sources of lead exposure into the home! https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/safe.html #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- Lead has been used for a long time in a variety of products found in and around our homes. The good news is lead poisoning is preventable and you can start by learning more at: https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#productsexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
Facebook:
- #DYK no safe blood lead level has been identified for children and even low levels of lead in the blood can have lifelong health impacts?
- The good news is that childhood lead poisoning is preventable! Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/infographic-lead-poisoning-preventable.htm #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2021
- If you work near lead-based products, you can carry lead dust home on your clothes. Keep your family safe by learning more about ways to prevent bringing sources of lead exposure into the home! https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/safe.html #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- Lead has been used for a long time in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, playgrounds, batteries, cosmetics, toys, imported candies, jewelry, and other products. The good news is lead poisoning is preventable and you can start by learning more at: https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#productsexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
Twitter:
- #DYK the only way to know if there is lead in your home is to test for the presence of lead in paint, dust and/or soil? Talk to your state or local health department about testing for lead and learn more at https://www.epa.gov/lead/questions-and-answers-homeowners-and-renters-about-understanding-lead-inspections-riskexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- The National Lead Information Center provides information about lead, lead hazards, and preventing lead exposure. Contact them toll-free at 1-800-424-LEAD [5323] or https://www.epa.gov/lead/forms/lead-hotline-national-lead-information-centerexternal icon #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2021
- #DYK many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint on both interior and exterior walls? When lead-based paint gets old, it can start to peel or come off in pieces and become a hazard. Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#olderexternal icon #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2021
Facebook:
- #DYK the only way to know if there is lead in your home is to test for the presence of lead in paint, dust and/or soil? Talk to your state or local health department about testing for lead. Learn more about lead inspections, risk assessment and abatements at https://www.epa.gov/lead/questions-and-answers-homeowners-and-renters-about-understanding-lead-inspections-riskexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- The National Lead Information Center provides information about lead, lead hazards, and preventing lead exposure. Contact them toll-free at 1-800-424-LEAD [5323] or https://www.epa.gov/lead/forms/lead-hotline-national-lead-information-centerexternal icon #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2021
- #DYK many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint on both interior and exterior walls? When lead-based paint gets old, it can start to peel or come off in pieces and become a hazard. Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#olderexternal icon #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2021
Twitter:
- You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water, but you can learn basic information about sources of lead in drinking water and suggestions for reducing exposure! https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/infographic-lead-drinking-waterexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- Contact your local water authority for information about testing and identifying lead in your water! https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#findoutexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- #DYK running your water before drinking or cooking can reduce potential lead exposure? Learn more about reducing lead in water at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#reducehomeexternal icon
Facebook:
- You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water, but you can learn basic information about sources of lead in drinking water and suggestions for reducing exposure! https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/infographic-lead-drinking-waterexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- Contact your local water authority for information about testing and identifying lead in your water! https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#findoutexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- #DYK running your water before drinking or cooking can reduce potential lead exposure? Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not and the length of the lead service line. Residents should contact their water utility for recommendations about flushing times in their community. Learn more about reducing lead in water at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#reducehomeexternal icon
Twitter:
- #DYK children with lead poisoning usually do not look or act sick? Ask your health care provider about getting your child tested. A blood lead test is the easiest way to know if your child has been exposed to lead. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW 2021
- Lead poisoning is preventable! A simple blood test can detect lead. Find out more from your state or local childhood lead poisoning prevention program! https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/infographic-lead-poisoning-preventable.htm #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- A little lead can cause BIG problems. Act early! Blood lead testing is required for children w/Medicaid at 1 and 2 years old and recommended for all at-risk children at these ages. Talk to your doctor for more information. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/ #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
Facebook:
- #DYK children with lead poisoning usually do not look or act sick? Ask your health care provider about getting your child tested. A blood lead test is the easiest way to know if your child has been exposed to lead. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW 2021
Lead poisoning is preventable! A simple blood test can detect lead. Find out more from your state or local childhood lead poisoning prevention program! https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/infographic-lead-poisoning-preventable.htm #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids - There is NO known safe blood lead level. Act early and get your child tested! Blood lead tests are required for all Medicaid-eligible children at 12- and 24-months. Testing all at-risk children at these ages is recommended. Talk to your doctor or health care provider for more information. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/ #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
Twitter:
- Preventing lead exposure in young children is important because as their bodies grow and develop, they are more vulnerable to the impacts of lead. We can start with a few actions at home, such as those in this worksheet https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-10/documents/module_1_worksheet.pdf pdf icon[PDF – 308 KB]external icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- Wiping and removing your shoes before entering the home can prevent you from bringing lead-contaminated soil in from outside and reduce potential exposure to lead. https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#soilexternal icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- In many places across the US, significant numbers of children are still exposed to lead. This is due mainly to the different sources of lead in the environment and other risk factors. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/populations.htm #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- Have a question about lead? Learn more at CDC’s Lead FAQs page. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faqs/lead-faqs.htm #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
Facebook:
- Preventing lead exposure in young children is especially important because as their bodies grow and develop, they are more vulnerable to the potentially permanent and harmful impacts of lead. The overall health of our families will benefit if parents, grandparents, caregivers, and others start with a few actions at home to prevent lead exposure. Start with the actions in this worksheet
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-10/documents/module_1_worksheet.pdf pdf icon[PDF – 308 KB]external icon #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids - Lead exposure is dangerous during early childhood development, particularly for children who crawl! Make sure to wipe and remove your shoes when entering the home to prevent bringing lead-contaminated soil in from outside and also reduce potential exposure to lead. #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#soilexternal icon - In many places across the US, significant numbers of children are still exposed to lead. This is due mainly to the different sources of lead in the environment and other risk factors. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/populations.htm #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
- Have a question about lead? Learn more at CDC’s Lead FAQs page. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faqs/lead-faqs.htm #NLPPW2021 #LeadFreeKids
Fact Sheets
- 5 Things You Can Do pdf icon[PDF – 234 KB]pdf icon – information on how to help lower elevated blood lead levels, in English pdf icon[PDF – 234 KB]pdf icon and en Español pdf icon[PDF – 166 KB]pdf icon
- Are You Pregnant? – information on lead poisoning prevention for pregnant women, in English pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]pdf icon and en Español pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]pdf icon
Videos
- CDC Environmental Health Nexus Webinar: Lead – Video of subject matter experts from CDC discuss sources of lead in children’s environments, populations at higher risk, current trends among children in the U.S., prevention strategies, and current initiatives at CDC.
- Lead-Based Paint PSA – EPA video about safely renovating when there is lead-based paint in your home.
- Lead Exposure – causes, symptoms, and prevention of childhood lead poisoning, in English and en Español.
- Mission Unleaded: How to test children for lead with maximum accuracy – reducing the risk of contamination during blood collection for lead testing.
Policy Resources
- Health Department Strategies for Implementing Health in All Policies to Reduce and Prevent Lead Exposure: A factsheet outline the 7 strategies of Health and all Polices featuring lead poisoning prevention examples at state and local level, available at: fact_sheet_health-department-strategies-for-implementing-hiap-to-reduce-and-prevent-lead-exposure.pdf (nchh.org) pdf icon[PDF – 987 KB]external icon
- Stories from the Field Case Studies of Lead and Health in All Policies: A collection of case studies from three communities who used Health in All Policies to advance their lead poisoning prevention work, available at: https://nchh.org/who-we-are/nchh-publications/case-studies/stories-from-the-field-case-studies_hiap/external icon
- Implementing a Health in All Polices Approach to Lead Poisoning Prevention: A report summarizing key themes of Health in All Policies (HiAP) strategies to address lead poisoning prevention at the state level, available at: https://astho.org/generickey/GenericKeyDetails.aspx?contentid=23734&folderid=5156&catid=7203external icon