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Today,
childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental
disease among young children, yet an estimated 250,000 U.S. children
have elevated blood-lead levels. A simple blood test can prevent
permanent damage that will last a lifetime. The U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development is committed to eliminating this
burden to public health.
HUD
and its federal partners share the goal of eliminating childhood
lead poisoning in the United States by 2010. During National Lead
Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) HUD aims to:
- Raise awareness about lead poisoning;
- Stress the importance of screening the highest risk children
younger than 6 years of age (preferably by ages 1 and 2);
- Highlight partner’s efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning;
and
- Urge people to take steps to reduce lead exposure.
Annual NLPPW Events
NLPPW occurs every year during the last week in October (Senate.
Resolution 199). During NLPPW, many states and communities offer
free blood-lead testing and conduct various education and awareness
events. For more information about NLPPW activities in your area,
please contact your state or local health or housing department.
2009 NLPPW posters: What’s on your walls?
CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have developed posters that
are free for states and communities to download.
NEW
for 2009!
CDC,
EPA, and HUD planned these 2009 NLPPW activities:
- YouTube
Video Contest. The contest ended October 1, 2009; awards will
be announced during CDC’s National Environmental Public Health
Conference in late October. The top 3 winning videos will receive
$2500, $1500, and $1000 respectively. The contest was designed
to:
- Educate
the public about lead poisoning prevention and the danger
of lead exposure in a 30 to 60 second video.
- Possible
topics included teaching people how to prevent lead poisoning
in their home and school, steps to prevent lead poisoning
using lead safe work practices, or sharing a personal story
about lead poisoning.
- Smithsonian’s
National Zoo exhibit. “What’s scarier than Halloween? Lead
Poisoning!” More than 20,000 children are expected to attend this
event October 23- 25, 2009 in Washington, DC.
For
additional information about preventing childhood lead poisoning
visit:
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