 Protect Our Children: Lead Testing in D.C.
Did you know that lead exposure can have serious, long-term effects on a child's health and development? In Washington, DC, it's the law to test children for lead.
Why Test Twice by Age Two? Testing children for lead twice by age two is a critical step in safeguarding their health and future. Early detection of lead exposure can prevent cognitive and behavioral issues, allowing for timely interventions. By identifying and addressing lead exposure early, lead sources can be removed, and necessary medical treatment can be provided.
Take Action Now! Ensure your child gets tested for lead at least twice by age two. Blood lead testing can be done through a finger-prick test or a venous blood draw, with the latter being the most accurate option. Contact your child’s pediatrician to schedule a test. It's a simple yet powerful way to protect their health and future
UPCOMING EVENTS
ReThread DC Events
 DCPS Health Hub Events
Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) and Managed Care Plans, in partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), are launching “Health Hubs” to support students and families by streamlining access to vital back-to-school health services. These hubs provide a convenient, welcoming space to:
- Complete mandatory health forms
- Get essential screenings (hearing, physicals, immunizations)
- Pick up supplies like hygiene items and school swag
- Explore resources through fun, interactive tabling from several organizations and programs including DOEE’s Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division
These weekday events will be held at various area middle schools from 10am to 2pm:
Fix-It DC Community Repair Event at Southwest Library
 When: Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Where: Southwest Neighborhood Library --900 Wesley Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024
To attend, please register here: Fix-it DC Registration
Know how to fix things? Use your skills at Fix-It DC! Sign up here: http://bit.ly/3itBi9N
For more information about Fix-it DC, visit https://doee.dc.gov/service/fix-it
ReThread DC Clothing Swap
 ReThread DC will be hosting a clothing and vinyl record swap in partnership with Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID).
When: Thursday, September 25th, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where: Southwest Duck Pond – 900 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
More information can be found here.
 Join DOEE staff on Saturdays, September 6th and September 27th from 10:00am to 12:00pm for Invasive Plant Removal at Kingman Island (575 Oklahoma Ave NE). Volunteers are needed to help beautify Kingman and Heritage Islands!
Sign up here: Invasive Plant Management Volunteer Registration
Kingman + Heritage Islands Anacostia Green Boats
 Anacostia Green Boats is a free citizen science program at Kingman and Heritage Islands, running from May to October at high tide. Participants can paddle on the Anacostia River, collecting and analyzing marine debris—mostly plastic bottles—to support environmental policy and education efforts. The program includes an orientation, 30-60 minutes of paddling, and a trash sorting session.
Spots for public boating sessions are allocated via a monthly lottery, with winners able to reserve 1-4 spots. Group paddling sessions for schools, work teams, and volunteer groups can be scheduled separately. The initiative is funded by the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund and is supported by Living Classrooms and the DC Department of Energy and Environment.
Anacostia River Boat Tours
 The Anacostia River Discovery Series is a free summer program hosted by the Anacostia Watershed Society, running from April to September. It offers canoe and motorized boat tours on the Anacostia River, allowing participants to explore its natural and cultural history while observing local wildlife.
Tours take place on Thursday evenings and select Saturdays, with locations including Kingman Island, Diamond Teague Park, Bladensburg Waterfront Park, and Kenilworth Park. Registration is required, and spots are limited.
 The Anacostia River Explorers program offers free educational boat tours on the Anacostia River, running from April to October. These tours provide insights into the river’s history, wildlife, environmental challenges, and restoration efforts.
Tours depart from Anacostia Park or Yards Marina, with private bookings available for groups of 15-20 people at locations including Kingman Island. Each tour lasts 1-2 hours and takes place on a 27' Carolina Skiff.
The program is funded by the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Fund, ensuring all tours remain free. Virtual boat tours are also offered for those unable to attend in person.
A YEAR OF OUTREACH: PARTNER WITH US!
 The Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division at DOEE is having an exciting year of outreach activities. We invite all interested parties to join hands with us in promoting lead-safe, mold-free and radon-free living environments. Reach out to Olivia Davida at Olivia.Davida@dc.gov for collaboration opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of what’s next.
- October (Last Full Week): Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
- December: Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Together, let’s make a difference in the District!
Request for Applications: Reducing Housing-Related Disparities in Childhood Lead Exposure
The Department of Energy and Environment seeks eligible entities to increase outreach and education activities about lead exposures and increase capacity and availability for routine blood lead level testing and lead exposure prevention activities in the District. The deadline for grant application submissions is July 25. Visit this link to learn more and apply.
Lead and Healthy Housing Resources
Protecting Children from Lead Exposure: What Pet Owners Need to Know
Lead exposure is a danger lurking in many homes, and pet owners may not realize how their furry companions can contribute to the risk. While lead poisoning is a well-known hazard for children, pets can unknowingly bring lead dust into living spaces, increasing exposure for families. Understanding the connection between pets and lead contamination is the first step toward creating a safer environment for children.
How Pets Can Spread Lead
Even the most beloved pets can unintentionally introduce lead hazards into the home:
Lead dust accumulation – Dogs and cats pick up lead particles on their fur from contaminated floors, furniture, or walls. When they groom themselves, they ingest the lead and may transfer it to children through close contact.
Chewing & scratching – Pets naturally explore their environment with their teeth and paws. If they gnaw on surfaces or scratch areas with lead-based paint, they can release lead dust into the air.
Tracking lead indoors – Outdoor pets may carry lead-contaminated soil on their paws, bringing harmful particles into the home.
The Health Risks for Children
Exposure to lead can have serious consequences for children, including:
Cognitive and developmental delays – Lead poisoning can affect brain function, leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, and behavioral challenges.
Physical health concerns – Prolonged exposure may cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.
Hidden sources of lead – Beyond paint and soil, lead can be found in old pipes, imported toys, and even pet products.
How to Reduce the Risk
Taking proactive steps to reduce lead exposure can protect both children and pets:
Test your home – If your house was built before 1978, schedule a professional lead inspection. Find DOEE-certified professionals here.
Regular pet grooming – Bathing and brushing pets frequently helps remove lead dust from their fur.
Frequent cleaning – Wet-mop floors and wipe down surfaces to minimize lead dust buildup.
Choose safe pet toys – Be cautious of imported pet products that may contain lead.
Be Proactive, Stay Safe
By understanding how pets can contribute to lead exposure, families can take steps to protect their children from harmful toxins. Whether through testing, cleaning, or pet care, small changes can make a big impact in ensuring a safe and healthy home for everyone.
RECENT RECALLS
Voluntary Baby Food Recall: Possible Lead Contamination in Good & Gather Brand
 On April 3, 2025 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class II recall of over 25,000 units of Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree, distributed by Target, due to concerns about elevated levels of lead, which may pose serious health risks to infants and young children. Consumers and businesses should not use, sell, or distribute the recalled baby food, and are urged to check their inventories for the affected lot numbers and best-by date.
Product Description
- Brand: Good & Gather Baby Food 6+ Months
- Flavor: Vegetable Puree – Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme
- Package Size: 4 oz containers
- UPC: 1 91907-99314 1
- Affected Lot Numbers: 4167 (Best by Dec 7, 2025) 4169 (Best by Dec 9, 2025)
If Your Child Consumed the Product
Consult your pediatrician about getting a blood lead test, even if your child shows no symptoms.
Recommendations
- Cease using the product immediately.
- Check the packaging for the UPC and lot numbers mentioned above to verify if your product is included in the recall.
- Consumers can return any impacted product to a Target store for a refund.
Status
Ongoing. Updates will be provided as they become available.
For additional information on this recall and resources, please visit:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fda.gov/safety/recalls
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cdc.gov/lead
- Target Guest Services - (for questions about returns or reimbursements) 1-800-440-0680
- Local Health Department Contact for testing resources and further assistance
- DC Health: 202-724-4900
BASDEHEN Brand Kitchen Faucets Recalled Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children; Sold on Amazon.com by Chenfeng Store
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Recall Description: This recall involves BASDEHEN kitchen faucets, model number CFDTTH-000-YGH. The faucets are matte black single-handle kitchen faucets with 360° swivel, spring spout design, detachable spray, optional mounting plate and single-hole installation. Consumers can identify whether they have a recalled faucet by searching their Amazon purchase history for “Basdehen” and “kitchen faucet.”
Recall Date: May 29, 2025
Action Steps: Consumers should immediately stop using these faucets and contact Chenfeng Store about disposal and a refund. Consumers will need to provide a photograph of disposal to receive the refund. Amazon is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Until these faucets can be replaced, consumers should only consume water from the faucets after running the water for 15 seconds.
Affected Stores: Online at www.amazon.com from May 2024 through May 2025 for about $30.
Consumer Contact: Chenfeng Store by email at ChenfengStoreF@outlook.com.
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KICIMPRO Brand Kitchen Faucets Recalled Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children; Sold on Amazon.com by Kicimpro
Recall Description: This recall involves KICIMPRO kitchen faucets, model number KM800-01-06BN. The faucets are brushed nickel, single-handle kitchen faucets with a pull-down detachable spray and single-hole installation. Consumers can identify whether they have a recalled faucet by searching their Amazon purchase history for “Kicimpro” and “kitchen faucet” and looking for a description including pull-down sprayer, brushed nickel, high-arc, single-handle sink faucet with water lines, commercial modern RV stainless steel, grifos de cocina.
Recall Date: May 29, 2025
Action Steps: Consumers should immediately stop using these faucets and contact Kicimpro about disposal and a refund. Consumers will need to provide a photograph of disposal and their order number to receive the refund. Kicimpro is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Until these faucets can be replaced, consumers should only consume water from the faucets after running the water for 15 seconds.
Affected Stores: Online at www.amazon.com from January 2024 through May 2025 for about $35.
Consumer Contact: Kicimpro by email at support@kicimprohome.com.
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Boyro Baby Walkers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Children from Fall Hazard; Violations of the Federal Standard for Infant Walkers and Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com
Recall Description: This recall involves VFAUOSIT kitchen faucets, model number 06BNV. The faucets are brushed nickel, single-handle kitchen faucets with a pull-down detachable spray and single-hole installation. Consumers can identify whether they have a recalled faucet by searching their Amazon purchase history for “Vfauosit” and “kitchen faucet” and looking for a description including pull-down sprayer, brushed nickel, stainless steel modern, high-arc, single-handle, single-hole, pull-out kitchen faucet for bar laundry RV utility sink.
Recall Date: May 29, 2025
Action Steps: Consumers should immediately stop using these faucets and contact Whisper08 about disposal and a refund. Consumers will need to provide a photograph of disposal and their order number to receive the refund. Whisper08 is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Until these faucets can be replaced, consumers should only consume water from the faucets after running the water for 15 seconds.
Affected Stores: Online at www.amazon.com from January 2024 through May 2025 for about $40.
Consumer Contact: Whisper08 by email at customerservice@vfauosit.com.
Click here to see related *Product Safety Warnings* for other faucets
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Boyro Baby Walkers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Children from Fall Hazard; Violations of the Federal Standard for Infant Walkers and Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com
 Recall Description: This recall involves Boyro Baby’s baby walkers, model number US-B01. The plastic walkers were sold in black, blue and gray with five levels of height adjustments. They have a black or gray rotating seat, a matching footpad, six wheels and four removable toys (an owl, a flower, an arch with a ball and a three-button panel that plays music and lights up.) “Ready To Ride” appears on a label on one of the walker’s legs and the height-adjustment buttons are on another leg. “Boyro Baby” and the model number are printed on the tracking label, located under the seat cushion.
Recall Date: June 26, 2025
Action Steps: Consumers should stop using and disassemble the recalled baby walkers immediately and contact Boyro Baby for instructions on receiving a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the disassembled baby walker and email three photos of the destroyed product to boyrobaby@outlook.com. Once the three photos have been received, Boyro Baby will issue a refund. Boyro Baby and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers directly.
Affected Stores: Amazon.com from August 2024 through December 2024 for between $70 and $90.
Consumer Contact: Boyro Baby by email at boyrobaby@outlook.com, or online at https://www.boyrobaby.com/round-walker-safety-recall/ or www.boyrobaby.com and click on “Round Walker Safety Recall” for more information.
To search all products recalled by Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Food and Drug Administration, visit their websites at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls and Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA.
SPPTTY Kids Bicycles Recalled Due to Risk of Death or Injury from Lead Poisoning; Violates Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold at Walmart by Shenzhen Yihuachuang Technology
 Recall Description: This recall involves SPPTTY kids bicycles. The bicycles are pink with brown seat covers, brown handlebars, brown pedals and brown baskets and were sold in 14-inch and 18-inch sizes. The brand “SPPTTY” and “New Sport Bike” are printed on the downtube.
Recall Date: July 10, 2025
Action Steps: Consumers should stop using the recalled children’s bicycles immediately and contact Shenzhen Yihuachuang Technology for a full refund. To receive a refund, consumers should dismantle the bicycles, take a photo, and send the photo by email to lishkjie@163.com. After submitting proof of destruction, consumers should dispose of the recalled bike.
Affected Stores: Walmart.com from August 2024 through December 2024 for about $85.
Consumer Contact: Shenzhen Yihuachuang Technology by email at lishkjie@163.com.
To search product safety warnings and products recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Food and Drug Administration, visit their websites at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls and Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA
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