International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 24-30, 2021. The goal of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is to focus attention on the negative health impacts of lead exposure, highlight efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning, and accelerate efforts to phase out the use of lead in paint in countries that still allow lead-based paint.
Even though there is wide recognition of the harmful effects of lead and many countries have taken action, exposure to lead, particularly in childhood, remains a key concern to health care providers and public health officials in California, the U.S., and worldwide.
You can contribute to our goal of creating a lead-free environment for our children by following these simple steps:
- Inspect your pre-1978 rental home for any exterior or interior paint that is peeling, chipped, flaking or deteriorating. This includes porches, steps, bannisters, cabinets and, most importantly, old doors and windows.
- Ask your landlord to repair all peeling or deteriorated paint anywhere on the exterior or interior of your pre-1978 rental home, and make sure they hire a certified lead contractor.
- Wet wipe or mop all wood window troughs, window sills and floors to remove any invisible particles of lead dust.
- Wash your children’s hands on a regular basis.
- Wash your child’s toys on a regular basis.
- Don’t forget to make sure that your child has a blood test for the presence of lead every year from 12 months to 6 years old.
Thank you for helping WIPE OUT LEAD!