HUD Announces National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2023
Every year during the last week of October, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) raises awareness about lead poisoning. HUD, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are working to raise awareness, provide resources, and encourage preventive actions to decrease childhood lead exposure during the week and beyond.
This year’s NLPPW theme is “Together, we can prevent lead exposure.” It emphasizes the importance of coordinating to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from the dangers of lead exposure.
The context: Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves, and blood.
HUD sees lead poisoning prevention as a top priority. “Lead poisoning is not only a housing issue, it is an issue of health equity and addressing it is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “While HUD has worked with communities across the country to make strides in reducing lead poisoning, thousands of children are still at risk of lead exposure. This week must be a reminder that our work is not done until no child in America suffers from lead exposure.”
According to the CDC, children in 4 million households are exposed to high levels of lead. When lead builds up in the body, it results in lead poisoning. Children under the age of 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. This is because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults. Also, children may inadvertently put things that contain lead into their mouths.
One level deeper: HUD and its partner agencies have created customizable outreach materials, allowing partners to select and tailor information to best meet the needs of their local communities. The outreach materials include an information kit with talking points, facts about lead and lead exposure, event ideas, and planning suggestions. The materials can be found here.
And for more information on federal lead safety activities and resources, you can go to: