October 22 - 28, 2023 has been designated as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), and this year’s theme is “Together, We Can Prevent Lead Exposure.” The annual celebration is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness to reduce childhood exposure to lead.
For NLPPW 2023, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have developed materials around three key messages:
- Get the Facts: Learn about lead exposure and the hazards of lead.
- Get Your Child Tested: A blood test is the best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test if your child may have been exposed to lead.
- Get Your Home Tested: Minimize your risk of lead exposure by hiring a certified professional to test your home for lead if it was built before 1978.
During the week, we will celebrate the power of awareness and encourage reducing exposures to lead.