This year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be held on October 20-26, 2024
October 20-26, 2024 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Lead Poisoning Prevention Week was established to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state and local governments to help increase lead awareness by using their efforts and collaborations to reduce childhood exposure to lead. For further information regarding lead-based paint hazards and poisoning prevention, please see the resources below.
Lead can be found inside and outside the home, including in the water that travels through lead pipes or in the soil around a house. However, the most common source of exposure is from lead-based paint, which was used in many homes built before 1978. Lead exposure is most often caused by accidentally swallowing or breathing in the lead dust created by old paint that has cracked and chipped. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous during early childhood development, especially for children who crawl.
Steps that families can take to prevent lead exposure include the following:
- Take shoes off when entering the house to prevent bringing lead-contaminated soil in from outside.
- Wash children’s hands and toys often.
- Clean the home regularly. Wet-mop floors and window sills to remove possible contamination from soil and dust.
- Talk to your doctor or health care provider about testing young children for lead levels. There is NO known safe blood level for lead. Blood lead tests are usually recommended for children at 12- and 24-months.
- If your home was built before 1978, get it tested for lead-based paint and learn how to prevent harmful exposures. A certified inspector or risk assessor can check your home for lead-based paint or related hazards.
Find more information, programs, and resources through the links below.
Lead-Based Paint Hazards & Poisoning Prevention Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Phone: (800) 232-4636
Information about Lead Poisoning Prevention - Lead-based paint hazards & poisoning prevention Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
Phone: (800) 588-1248
General Lead Exposure Information
Homeowner FAQs
Home Assessment Information
Certified Lead Professionals
Environmental Lead Program
Links to information and resources for state and national agencies and programs
Download the following and other educational materials about Lead Poisoning Prevention:- Lead-Safe Cleaning Tips (Publication #1-315; available in English and Español)
- Lead Around the Home (Publication #1-307)
- How Lead Affects Your Child’s Health (publication #1-311; available in English and Español)
- Sesame Street Lead Away
Lead Away Toolkit from Sesame Street Workshop - Lead-Austin Water
Phone: (512) 972-0153
Information about Austin Water and lead poisoning hazards/prevention - TCEQ Voluntary Lead Testing in School and Child Care Drinking Water
Contact: 737-276-1987
Email: [email protected]
Information about Free Voluntary Lead Testing in School and Child Care Drinking Water
Lead-Based Paint Abatement & Remediation Resources
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Phone: (800) 424-LEAD (5323)
Lead Disclosure Rule: Learn about federal guidelines for sellers to disclose information about lead-based paint hazards - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Phone: (800) 424-LEAD [5323] or EPA Region 6: (214) 665-6711
Learn about Lead
Lead Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program
Protect Your Family from Exposures to Lead
Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Consumers
Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Do-It-Yourselfers
Need to paint, repair, or restore a home or building that has lead-based paint? See Questions and Answers for Homeowners and Renters about Understanding Lead Inspections, Risk Assessments, and Abatements - City of Austin
Neighborhood Housing & Community Development (NHCD)
Phone: (512) 478-7176
Minor Home Repair Program for low-income residents
