Children, Households at Risk for Lead Poisoning

This week, Oct. 21-Oct. 27, marks the 13^th annual National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) with one major goal--eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the United States. 

Nearly 1 million children are affected by lead poisoning today. However, childhood lead poisoning is 100% preventable if families know how to identify and take action to safeguard their children in their home.  

Many think lead poisoning is a thing of the past. It’s not. Any home built before 1978 -- which includes 38 million U.S. households -- is at risk for lead-based paint hazards. Additionally, lead poisoning affects children of all races and ethnicities, in rural and urban communities, and at every socio-economic level.

As part of its National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  are joining the Ad Council  to urge all families living in homes built before 1978 to get their children and homes tested for lead.

FACTS ABOUT LEAD POISONING:

• If not detected early, lead paint poisoning causes lifelong learning disabilities, hearing loss, speech delays, developmental disabilities and aggressive/violent behaviors.
• Children under age 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning
• If your home was built before 1978, you might be one of the 38 million households at risk in the U.S.
• Today, lead paint poisoning affects nearly one million children in the U.S.
• Lead paint poisoning is 100% preventable, if families know how to identify and take action to safeguard their children in their homes.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Get your home tested. Get your child tested. Get the facts! 
  Leadfreekids.org
• Remodeling the home? Renovate right with lead-safe work practices: http://leadfreekids.org/my_home/index.php#!/for_do_it_yourselfers
• Talk to your health department about testing home paint and dust for lead: http://leadfreekids.org/find_help/index.php
• Raise awareness about the danger zones: 
  http://leadfreekids.org/health_effects/dangers_zones.php

RESOURCES:

• Public Service Announcements:
  • 1MillionKids
  • Danger Zone
  • Sippy Cup  
  • Cereal 
  • Milk Bottle  
• Lead Poisoning Prevention Campaign Toolkit

For more information on:

• How to get involved in NLPPW, October 21-27   
• Tips for Do-it-yourselfers, homebuyers and renters
• Warning signs – in your home and in your health
• Why children are at risk
• How lead affects pregnancy and how to prepare a nursery

Please visit leadfreekids.org or call the National Lead Information Center’s toll-free number 1-800-424-LEAD for tools and resources about lead poisoning.