Protecting our children is any parent’s highest priority, but there is a hidden danger in our homes that can harm their health and their futures.
It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week – a time we set aside every year to reinforce an important message about an environmental enemy that attacks hundreds of thousands of our children – lead poisoning. In the United States, paint containing lead was banned for residential use in 1978. However, lead paint is still present in millions of homes, often covered under layers of newer paint. Lead-contaminated dust is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning but it’s entirely preventable.
Here are some simple tips to help protect your kids:
- If you live in a home built before 1978, have your home inspected for lead.
- Get your child tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead exposure.
- Get the facts. Visit hud.gov/healthyhomes or call 1-800-424-LEAD.
Creating Global Awareness
Given that lead impacts children around the world, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are partnering with the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint to announce the First International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action. This year’s theme, “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” stresses the importance of testing children and homes for lead, and knowing how to prevent serious effects.
“We’re thrilled to join our federal partners in helping National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week go global this year,” said Jon L. Gant, Director of HUD’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. “Children’s exposure to lead affects them in whatever country they live, so raising awareness around the world about this problem and the solutions to it benefits us all.”
This global partnership is working to raise awareness about lead poisoning in more than 35 countries. Read more about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and how you can protect your children.
