October 20-26 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
To raise awareness about childhood lead exposure and lead poisoning, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) observes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) Oct. 20-26, 2024. Each year, NLPPW is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, Tribal and local governments to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness.
This year’s theme is “Bright futures begin lead-free” in support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision for a lead-free future for all children. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of NLPPW, which was established in October 1999 by the U.S. Senate and grew into a nationwide campaign to promote and encourage lead-free families.
There are many ways to observe NLPPW: take action to reduce lead exposure, participate in local events, plan and host an event in your community, share what you’ve learned with others, and spread the word about NLPPW on social media.
Additionally, EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are hosting the following webinars for a wide variety of audiences about preventing exposure to lead:
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Lead Exposures in Children's Environmental Health: Join EPA Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 3–4:30 p.m. EDT for a webinar discussing the potential harms to children from lead exposure, including sources beyond lead based paint and water such as ceremonial powders, cookware, spices and cosmetics. Register here.
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Información sobre el plomo (Understanding Lead in Spanish): Join EPA Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 2–3:30 p.m. EDT 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.
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Leave lead behind: How to protect your family from exposure: Join CDC Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 1–2 p.m. EDT; learn more about how to prevent lead exposure, the health effects of lead exposure, what to do if a child has been exposed to lead and historical national trends for lead levels. Register here.
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Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness (English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation): Join EPA Thursday, Oct. 24 from 1–2 p.m. EDT for a live presentation for contractors about EPA's RRP rule, which concerns RRP projects in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978. Register here.
EPA is also working with communities across the country to host Lead Awareness Curriculum educational sessions for community leaders and the general public. Learn more and how to register for an upcoming session near you.
For more information about NLPPW, lead and lead exposure, event ideas, planning suggestions, sample social media posts as well as graphics in multiple languages, visit our NLPPW webpage in English or in Spanish. If you haven’t already, follow @EPAChemSafety for tips on preventing childhood lead exposure.
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