EPA Observes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

WASHINGTON (October 25, 2021) – To raise awareness, provide resources and encourage preventative actions to decrease childhood lead exposure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) this week in collaboration with the US. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement in children. While lead is dangerous to all children, not all children are equally exposed to lead, nor do they suffer the same consequences of exposure. The harmful impacts of lead disproportionately impact environmentally overburdened, low-income families and their communities.

Lead exposure and poisoning are preventable, making outreach and education an important step in reducing childhood lead exposure. The following activities are happening during NLPPW to help a wide variety of audiences learn more about preventing lead exposure.

• Lead Awareness Curriculum Train-the-Trainer Session - Join EPA Wednesday, October 27 at 2:00 pm ET for a live discussion on how to use and modify the “Lead Awareness in Indian Country: Keeping our Children Healthy!” materials for any community. Register here.
• Understanding Lead Webinar – Join EPA Thursday, October 28 at 3:00 pm ET for a live presentation, featuring simultaneous Spanish interpretation, of “Module 1: Understanding Lead” from the Lead Awareness Curriculum to receive an overview of lead, its impacts and actions that can be taken to reduce potential lead exposures and lead poisoning. Register here.
• EPA is offering Renovation, Restoration and Painting (RRP) trainings for renovators at no cost. Learn more and register for an upcoming in-person RRP training near you.

Additionally, the NLPPW 2021 Outreach Materials include a variety of resources, including a Partner Information Kit with talking points, facts about lead and lead exposure, event ideas, and planning guides. These resources can be adapted to reach a wide variety of audiences, including parents, grandparents, caregivers, contractors, hardware stores, trade associations, media outlets, and more.

To access the resources and learn more, please visit EPA’s NLPPW 2021 webpage.