National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2024

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

October 20–26, 2024

In 1978, the US completely banned the consumer use of lead paint, which was used in many residential homes at the time. Lead paint was so widespread because it was more durable and had faster dry times, but the health risks were too great to ignore. Exposure to and ingestion of lead can seriously affect a child’s physical and mental development, with well-documented symptoms including damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. These health effects are significantly more harmful to children younger than six years old, as their bodies are rapidly developing and they tend to get their hands on anything and everything.

Several risk factors impact the increased risk of lead exposure in an area, including:

A CDC report from 2013 found that Black children had over two times the average blood lead levels found in white children. Institutional racial policies are at work. The report stated that “low housing quality, dangerous environmental conditions, poor nutrition, and other factors were all cited as reasons for increased lead poisoning risk — and unfortunately, many of these factors are the direct result of institutional policies that negatively affect Black communities.”

National Nurse-Led Care Consortium has a long commitment to addressing the safety of families' lived environments, and is a part of the Lead-Free Promise Project coalition. Based in Pennsylvania, this project reports that nearly 7,000 children in PA are poisoned every year. Black and Hispanic children in Pennsylvania are disproportionality impacted, “because they are more likely to live in older properties with deteriorated lead-based paint.” Because of all the risks involved, it’s important to be informed about how to take care of yourself and your family.

The two most important steps anyone can take are:

1. Testing and treating children who have lead poisoning

The Lead-Free Promise Project pushes for children to get tested twice for lead poisoning, at ages one and two. If a child has led poisoning, ensure that they are enrolled in Early Intervention. This governmental program connects families with services that supports their child’s needs.

2. Remove lead-paint hazards in the home

Get lead out of the home! There are some ways that every family can reduce their exposure to lead, shown here. If you are still concerned about Lead, you can contact the National Lead Information Center, which can connect you with a professional to walk you through some of the possibilities to remove lead.

The most important thing is keeping you and your family healthy - learn more about lead today.