HUD joins U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control in week-long call to action to end childhood lead poisoning in America.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced plans to observe the 25th National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), October 20-26, 2024. NLPPW will bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness to reduce childhood exposure to lead. The Biden-Harris Administration is working to ensure a future where every child and family can live safely in their communities without the fear and harmful effects of lead exposure.
“Preventing lead poisoning is a top priority for HUD, and we are committed to eliminating childhood lead exposure,” said Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “We believe in a future where families across America are thriving in safe and healthy homes, free from the dangerous effects of lead.”
Research has proven lead exposure can result in permanent health implications, with young children being especially vulnerable due to potential impacts on the development of the central nervous system. Expecting mothers who are exposed to lead can experience reduced fetal growth and preterm birth, and for adults generally, exposure can increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and kidney damage. There is no safe level of exposure to lead, particularly for children, and eliminating lead exposure from the air, water, and homes is a crucial component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic commitment to advancing environmental justice.
This year’s NLPPW theme, “Bright Futures Begin Lead-Free,” emphasizes the importance of coordinating to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from the dangers of lead exposure. HUD invites partners to participate in this week of action.
HUD, EPA and CDC have developed and made available resources and materials for use by our partners organizing outreach during NLPPW 2024. The outreach materials can be edited, allowing partners to develop customized messages that best meet the needs of their local communities. The materials are centered around three key messages:
- Get the Facts: Learn about lead exposure and its hazards.
- Get Your Child Tested: A blood test is the best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test if your child may have been exposed to lead.
- Get Your Home Tested: If your home was built before 1978, know and control your risk of lead exposure by hiring a certified professional to test it, and if lead hazards are found, one to control them.
The outreach materials include an information kit with talking points, facts about lead and lead exposure, event ideas, and planning suggestions. The materials also include a sample social media package with content ideas, sample posts, and graphics centered around the three key messages above. For more information on what HUD, EPA and CDC are doing during NLPPW, including how to download the Week’s outreach materials, please visit our NLPPW webpage.
For more information on federal lead safety activities and resources, visit: