 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2023 (October 22 – 28, 2023) is in just a few weeks and the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is excited to invite partners, stakeholders, community members, and more to help deliver the message! Lead Week is the time of year where we unite to raise awareness, educate, and act against the hidden threat of lead exposure, especially among the District’s youngest residents. Use and share DOEE’s Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division’s toolkit to learn more about lead poisoning prevention and tips and tools to spread the word.
Theme: "Twice by Two" - A Commitment to Health: This year, DOEE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week revolves around the theme "Twice by Two," underscoring the significance of early lead testing for children. District law mandates that children should be tested twice, first at age one and then at age two, to detect lead exposure and intervene before it can cause lasting harm.
Unlocking the Toolkit: Your Resource for Action: To empower our community, we are excited to introduce our comprehensive Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Toolkit, accessible online here. This toolkit empowers our readers with valuable resources and information to actively participate in the campaign and make a meaningful impact. Inside, you'll find:
-
Campaign Messaging: Key messages, social media posts, email templates, and more to help spread the word about lead poisoning prevention.
-
Educational Resources: Fact sheets and publications to deepen your understanding of lead exposure and prevention.
-
Actionable Steps: A step-by-step guide for parents and caregivers on scheduling and preparing for lead tests and interpreting results.
-
Lesson Plan Ideas for Educators: Ideas to bring lead poisoning prevention education to the classroom with lesson plans tailored to grades K-12.
-
Outreach Ideas: A curated list of interactive methods to raise awareness.
Whether you're a concerned parent, a healthcare provider, an educator, or simply a caring community member, your involvement is invaluable in creating a lead-free future for our children. You can receive more information about Twice by Two and a link to the toolkit here. To stay updated on campaign events, news, and resources, follow us on social media at @DOEE_DC and use the hashtag #TwiceByTwo.
DOEE’s Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division has partnered with District agencies and programs to bring you some exciting events!
Washington DC Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Events
-
Women and the Environment Panel Discussion
-
Date: Thursday, October 19, 2023
-
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
-
Location: Anacostia Community Museum | 1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC 20020
-
Description: Hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Policy Initiatives, DOEE, and the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). Join us to kick off Lead Week for an inspiring conversation where a diverse group of women will share their personal journeys, insights, and expertise on vital environmental matters. Learn about the pivotal role of women in preventing lead poisoning and advancing the environmental workforce. Gain valuable knowledge and be part of the change!
-
Medical Society’s Annual Meeting
-
Date: Friday, October 27, 2023
-
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
-
Location: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Washington DC
-
Description: This exclusive event will mark the inauguration of Dr. Ashesh Patel as the President for the 2023-2024 term. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from current MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate as she shares insights into the accomplishments of the medical society over the past year in supporting its members. It will also feature educational exhibits focusing on childhood lead poisoning prevention. Please note that this event is not open to the public but is intended for members of the Medical Society of DC.
-
Family Fun Day at Martin Luther King Library!
-
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
-
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
-
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library | 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
-
Description: In collaboration with DOEE, DHCF, DC Water, Howard University, DC WIC, and the District's Managed Care Providers, we invite you to join us at the MLK Library for a Family Fun Day!
- Enjoy a day filled with exciting activities, including:
-
Coloring and Story Time: Engage the little ones in creative adventures.
-
Panel Discussions: Gain insights into lead poisoning prevention and nutrition.
-
Interactive Games: Fun for all ages.
-
Dental and Health Screenings: Ensure your family's well-being.
-
Educational Materials: Access valuable resources and information.
- And much more!
Want to know how to get involved nationally?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2023 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW). The theme for NLPPW 2023 is “Together, we can prevent lead exposure!" and the key messages are Get the Facts, Get Your Child Tested, and Get Your Home Tested.
CDC and EPA are hosting the following webinars for a wide variety of audiences about preventing exposure to lead:
-
Understanding Lead (Spanish): Join EPA on Tuesday, October 24 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Eastern Time for a live webinar in Spanish about lead, its impacts, and actions that can be taken to reduce potential lead exposures and lead poisoning. Register here.
-
Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness: Join EPA on Wednesday, October 25 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time for a live presentation for contractors and local building code and enforcement officials about EPA's RRP rule, which concerns RRP projects in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978. Register here.
-
Understanding Lead: Join EPA on Wednesday, October 25 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Eastern Time for a live webinar about lead, its impacts, and actions that can be taken to reduce potential lead exposures and lead poisoning. Register here.
-
Children and Lead Exposure: Current Issues: Join CDC on Thursday, October 26 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time for a live presentation in which subject matter experts will discuss CDC’s childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts, recent stories regarding lead exposure and treatment, and recent recalls. Register here.
For more information about NLPPW, lead and lead exposure, event ideas, planning suggestions, sample social media posts as well as graphics, visit CDC’s NLPPW page.
 The Mayor Muriel Bowser's 2023 Maternal and Infant Health Summit held on September 19, 2023, was a resounding success, bringing together passionate individuals and experts committed to improving the lives of mothers and infants in Washington, D.C. With four insightful plenary sessions, a resource fair featuring local businesses and agencies, and the inspiring presence of Tiffany Haddish, this summit truly embodied the spirit of empowerment and community support.
Plenary Session 1: Working Women Win
The first plenary session tackled an issue close to the hearts of many attendees - the challenges faced by working mothers. The panel, consisting of Mayor Muriel Bowser, the honorable Ilhan Omar (D-MN 5th District) Wendy Chun-Hoon from the U.S. Department of Labor, Dr. Ayanna Bennett from DC Health, and At Large Councilmember Christina Henderson engaged in a dynamic discussion expertly moderated by Ebony McMorris, a White House correspondent.
The session delved into the struggles of new mothers navigating the workplace and the importance of national policies supporting paid time off for them. Perhaps the most striking revelation was the alarming statistic that Black women are four times more likely to die during childbirth, regardless of their education, income, or background. This panel emphasized the urgent need for policies that address these disparities and support parents with childcare and paid family leave.
 Plenary Session 4: Lunch and Learn with Tiffany Haddish
A standout moment of the summit was Plenary Session 4, where attendees had the privilege of hearing Tiffany Haddish'spersonal journey. The actress and comedian candidly shared her experiences growing up in the foster system, enduring the heartbreak of being separated from her siblings, and enduring eight miscarriages. Her story was a testament to resilience and the idea that parenthood can take many forms. Haddish has now fostered around 50 children, finding her calling in parenthood through this unique and compassionate path.
|
 The Resource Fair: A Wealth of Support
The summit also featured a resource fair that showcased approximately 30 local businesses and agencies dedicated to supporting mothers and children under six in Washington, D.C. Notably, DOEE's Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division was among the exhibitors, underlining the city's commitment to ensuring safe and healthy living conditions for families.
One particularly engaging table was hosted by the brand Carol's Daughter, which not only offered attendees full-sized samples of their popular hair and skincare products but also provided the opportunity for social media-worthy pictures. The event underscored the abundance of resources available to mothers and families in Washington, D.C.
 A Day of Empowerment and Community
Beyond the plenary sessions and resource fair, the summit offered musical entertainment, painting therapy, and engaging table discussions. It was a day that celebrated the resilience of mothers, the strength of communities, and the collective commitment to creating a brighter future for mothers and infants.
Mayor Muriel Bowser's 2023 Maternal and Infant Health Summit was an inspiring and informative event that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to address pressing issues facing mothers and infants in Washington, D.C. The passionate discussions, personal stories, and abundance of resources on display all served as a testament to the city's dedication to improving the lives of its most vulnerable residents. The summit served as a powerful reminder that when communities come together, positive change is not only possible but inevitable.
 DOEE IS GEARING UP TO CELEBRATE SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH!
As the holiday season approaches, DOEE is abuzz with excitement! This year, DOEE is gearing up to celebrate Safe Toys and Gifts Month in December! Safe Toys and Gifts Month is a special time when we focus on promoting awareness about the importance of choosing safe and age-appropriate gifts and toys for children. It's a time when we all come together to ensure that the joy of giving is accompanied by the assurance of safety.
To kick off this initiative, DOEE has planned an outreach campaign to churches and recreational centers. These locations often host toy drives during the holiday season, making them ideal partners in DOEE’s mission to ensure children are in a safe and healthy environment, even in their moments of play.
One of the key features of DOEE’s Safe Toys and Gifts Month initiative is the creation of a comprehensive toolkit. This toolkit will serve as a valuable resource, offering guidelines, checklists, and safety tips for individuals and organizations participating in toy drives. DOEE encourage churches, recreation centers, and individuals to use this resource and share it within their communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Safe Toys and Gifts Month campaign as we get closer to November. Follow us at @doee_dc.
POWER OUTAGES: KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Learn how to protect yourself so you’re ready in case there is a power outag in your area.
TIPS:
- Before you lose power, learn how to safely use a portable generatorto avoid exposure to carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals.
- Always keep generators at least 20 feet away from any homes or air intakes.
- Make sure your home is equipped with one or more functioning carbon monoxide alarms, as carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
TIP: If you need to provide emergency power, NEVER use portable generators indoors! Place them outside and at least 20 feet from buildings.
RECENT RECALLS
CultureFly L.O.L. Surprise! Trick or Treat Subscription Boxes Sold with Metal Doll Pins
This recall involves CultureFly’s L.O.L. Surprise! Trick or Treat-themed boxes sold with metal doll pins. The metal doll pin has blue, pink and purple hair in pigtails, blue eyes, pink shoes and bra and underwear. They include magnetic, cutout clothes to dress the doll. The paint on the children’s metal doll pins contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled metal doll pins away from children, stop using them and contact CultureFly for a $10 refund. Consumers will receive an e-mail with instructions to return or dispose of the recalled metal doll pins in accordance with local state laws. Consumers will be contacted directly by CultureFly.
Sold At:
Online at thelolsurprisebox.com and amazon.com from October 2021 through December 2021 for about $38 for the subscription box.
Consumer Contact:
Website: thelolsurprisebox.com/pages/product-recall-information
E-mail: info@culturefly.com
Phone: (866) 540-3010
|
Lil Anglers Children's Fishing Rods
Lil anglers recalls children's fishing rods sold with kid casters no tangle combos due to violation of federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled fishing rods away from children, stop using them and contact Lil Anglers for a full refund or free replacement fishing rod.
Sold At:
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops and Dick’s Sporting Goods and other specialty sporting goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and Lil Anglers website from January 2021 through March 2023 for between $25 and $35.
Consumer Contact:
Website: kidcastersrecall.com
E-mail: info@anything-possible.com
Phone: (844) 347-4543
|
|
