National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

October 23–29, 2022

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.

Watch Our Webinars

CDC and HRSA Partner for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention: Guidance for Clinicians

Healthcare providers can play a key role in preventing lead poisoning by identifying children at risk for lead exposure, testing blood lead levels, and connecting families to any needed follow-up services. In partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), CDC subject matter experts provide up-to-date information about preventing exposure to lead, testing, and medical management of children with lead poisoning. Learn about the epidemiology of lead exposure as a public health problem and CDC’s recommended actions for blood lead testing and follow-up care.

All Children Can Be Exposed to Lead: CDC’s Efforts to Promote Awareness and Testing

Lead exposure is not limited to certain groups of children. Children can be exposed to lead from various sources in their environments—some more common than others. In this webinar, CDC subject matter experts discuss the many ways children can be exposed to lead and share tangible ways families can protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure. Learn about CDC’s efforts and strategies to increase blood lead testing among children.

Watch Partner Webinars

EPA offers the following webinars in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation:

Understanding Lead: Learn about lead and actions we can take to reduce exposure.
Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness: Learn about EPA’s RRP Rule.
Lead Awareness Curriculum Train-the-Trainer: Learn how to use and modify the Lead Awareness Curriculum.

Additional Webinars

Identifying Lead Service Lines in the Community: EPA staff discuss lead service line identification approaches for your community.
Tackling Lead in Housing – HUD Moves Forward
Life Without Lead Summit hosted by Lead Safe Alleghany

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2022 Information Kit

The themes of this year’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) were

Get the Facts
Get Your Home Tested
Get Your Child Tested

The NLPPW Information Kit [PDF 8.6 MB] (en Español [PDF 8 MB]) aims to help individuals, organizations, and state and local governments to work together to reduce childhood exposure to lead. The 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
Digital Materials
Social Media
Other Resources

For more information including downloadable/customizable materials such as posters, flyers, images, etc., please visit these partner websites:

In 2022 CDC, EPA, and HUD posted social media messages corresponding to the following questions, which were designed to spark conversation on ways we can reduce and prevent lead exposure. Below each question are a few suggestions on information and topics to share and discuss if you decide to develop your own content. There is also “ready to post” content for each question in the table at the end.

Outreach for 2022 NLPPW through Social Media

EPA, CDC and HUD posted social media messages corresponding to daily questions for conversation during NLPPW and, starting in September, posted social media messages corresponding to the question, “How Can We Reduce Lead Exposure Together?”

September 2022: How Can We Reduce Lead Exposure Together?
Monday, October 24, 2022: Why Should I Be Concerned About Lead?
Tuesday, October 25, 2022: How Do I Know if There is Lead in My Home?
Wednesday, October 26, 2022: How Do I Know if There is Lead in My Drinking Water?
Thursday, October 27, 2022: How Do I Know if My Child Has Been Exposed to Lead?
Friday, October 28, 2022: How Can I Make Sure My Child Has Safe Crawls?

For 2022 NLPPW, you could retweet or share messages sent from the EPA, CDC and HUD social media accounts, and/or use the Sample Social Media Package [PDF – 2.2 MB] (en Español [PDF 1.5 MB]) to write your own posts using the content ideas or adapt the sample posts for your social media account(s).

Sample Social Media Posts for 2022 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

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 #NLPPW2022 and when appropriate #EJ or #EnvironmentalJustice. Also, tag CDC, EPA and/or HUD to help mobilize individuals and communities to take action to reduce the risk of lead exposure in their environments. Interested in learning more about Lead from EPA, HUD, and CDC?

Follow us on Twitter @EPA, @HUD, and @CDCEnvironment
Like us on Facebook @EPA, @HUD, and @CDC
Follow us on Instagram: @epagov, @hudgov and @cdcgov

September 2022: How Can We Reduce Lead Exposure Together?

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23–29, 2022. Follow @CDC, @HUDgov, and @EPA over the next several weeks to learn more about #NLPPW2022 and how we can work together to reduce and prevent lead exposure and lead poisoning. www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/NLPPW #LeadFreeKids

#DYK lead exposure and lead poisoning are preventable? Learn how to prevent lead poisoning in children before National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct 23–29, 2022. www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/docs/how-to-prevent-lead-poisoning-in-children.html #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

For more information about lead and protecting your family from lead in your home, read the Protect Your Family pamphlet. Now available in 12 languages! www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home-real-estate-disclosure #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Have a question about lead poisoning? Learn more at CDC’s Lead FAQs page: www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faqs/lead-faqs.htm. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Many pre-1978 homes contain lead-based paint. Check surfaces suspected of having lead-based paint regularly for deteriorating paint, which can be hazardous. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#older

Monday, October 24, 2022: Why Should I Be Concerned About Lead?

#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 www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/docs/know-the-facts.html. #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2022

If you work near lead-based products, you can carry lead dust home on your clothes and shoes. Keep your family safe by learning more about ways to prevent bringing sources of lead exposure into the home at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/safe.html. #NLPPW2022 #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 www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#products. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

#DYK lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children, which can cause behavioral problems? Click here for more information: hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/lead. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Tuesday, October 25, 2022: How Do I Know if There is Lead in My Home?

#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 health department about testing for lead in paint, dust, and/or soil and learn more at www.epa.gov/lead/questions-and-answers-homeowners-and-renters-about-understanding-lead-inspections-risk. #NLPPW2022 #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 www.epa.gov/lead/forms/lead-hotline-national-lead-information-center. #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2022

#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, chip, or crack and become a hazard. Learn more at www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#older. #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2022

Wednesday, October 26, 2022: How Do I Know if There is Lead in My Drinking Water?

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 at www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-08/documents/epa_lead_in_drinking_water_final_8.21.17.pdf. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Contact your local water authority for information about testing and identifying lead in your water! www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#findout #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

#DYK running your water before drinking or cooking can reduce potential lead exposure? Learn more about reducing lead in water at www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#reducehome. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Check out #ProtectYourTap, an online guide created to identify lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. #LeadFreeKids

Thursday, October 27, 2022: How Do I Know if My Child Has Been Exposed to Lead?

#DYK children with lead poisoning usually do not look or act sick? Ask your healthcare provider about getting your child tested. A blood lead test is the best way to know if your child has been exposed to lead. www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm #LeadFreeKids #NLPPW2022

Lead poisoning is preventable! A simple blood test can detect lead. Learn more ways to protect children from lead exposure. www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/docs/lead-levels-in-children-fact-sheet-508.pdf. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

A little lead can cause BIG problems. Act early! Blood lead testing is required for children with Medicaid at 1 & 2 years old & recommended for all higher risk children at these ages. Talk to your doctor and learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faqs/lead-faqs.htm. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Friday, October 28, 2022: How Can I Make Sure My Child Has Safe Crawls?

Preventing lead exposure in young children is important because they are more vulnerable to the impacts of lead. We can start with a few actions at home, such as those in this worksheet: www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-10/documents/module_1_worksheet.pdf. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Wiping and removing your shoes before entering your home can prevent you from bringing lead-contaminated soil in from outside and reduce potential exposure to lead. www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#soil #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

In many places across the U.S., significant numbers of children are still exposed to lead. There are different sources of lead in their environments and other risk factors. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/populations.htm. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

Lead can be found where children live, play, and learn. There are several steps we can take to prevent lead exposure and protect our families. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/docs/how-to-prevent-lead-poisoning-in-children.html. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

#DYK when lead-based paint deteriorates, either inside or outside the home, lead can end up in household dust and soil? Learn more about lead at www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_11875.PDF. #NLPPW2022 #LeadFreeKids

More Resources

Fact Sheets

5 Things You Can Do – information on how to help lower elevated blood lead levels, in English [PDF – 234 KB] and en Español [PDF – 166 KB]
All Children Can Be Exposed to Lead – real-world examples of situations where children have been exposed to lead. (Printable PDF [PDF – 1 MB])
Are You Pregnant? – information on lead poisoning prevention for pregnant women, in English [PDF – 2 MB] and en Español [PDF – 2 MB]
Blood Lead Levels in Children [PDF – 100 KB] – fact sheet with information on blood lead levels in children.
How to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children – common sources of lead and steps to reduce your child’s risk of lead exposure. (Printable PDFs in English [PDF – 1 MB] and en Español [PDF – 1 MB])
Know the Facts – facts and information on lead poisoning prevention. (Printable PDFs in English [PDF – 977 KB] and en Español [PDF – 1 MB])

Videos

Childhood Lead Exposure in the United States: CDC’s Role in Prevention, Education, and Surveillance – 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 – 987 KB]
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/
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=7203
Sustainability of Funding Toolkit for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs: Overview of sources of funding and revenue streams available to state childhood lead poisoning prevention programs and strategies for sustainability planning, available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/docs/sustainability-funding-toolkit-508.pdf [PDF – 1 MB].

Additional Resources

Prevent Children’s Exposure to Lead – CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health’s (NCEH) Environmental Health Feature.

Get Ready for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! – EPA’s blog for NLPPW.

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