National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 24- 30, 2010

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 (NLPPW)
CDC and HHS share the goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning in the United States. NLPPW occurs every year during the last full week in October (Senate. Resolution 199). During 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) if they have not been tested yet;
* Highlight partner’s efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning; and
* Urge people to take steps to reduce lead exposure.

During NLPPW, many states and communities offer free blood-lead testing and conduct various education and awareness events.

Source: CDC Website

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 24-30, 2010. The theme is “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future.” The poster in English is posted on the site. The Spanish flyer is not yet posted but both are attached for your convenience. Please share this information with your state and local contacts.

Please visit the EPA(Environmental Protection Agency. website and check often for updates and information on links to CDC’s(Centers for Disease Control) website for widgets with daily tips, sample press releases, web banners, e-cards and more. Please send your Regional Lead Week activities entries to Christina Wadlington so we may add this information to our web page.

Spanish Lead Week Poster-editable.pdf

Lead Week 2010 Final Poster – editable.pdf