Wednesday, October 24, 2018

National Lead Prevention Awareness Week

Sunday, October 21 marked the beginning of this year’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to draw attention to this important issue. During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, individuals, communities, organizations, industries, and state and local governments come together to increase lead awareness. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are agencies that also contribute resources and expertise in educating the public about the toxin and lead poisoning prevention. This year the CDC is particularly focused on encouraging families to get their homes and children tested. There will be webinars on these topics and more throughout the week, which can be accessed here: https://www.epa.gov/lead


At the state level, Michigan’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) and the Healthy Homes section of Michigan Department of Health & Human Service (MDHHS) participate in lead prevention efforts year round. CLPPP provides Michigan residents with lead poisoning education, blood lead level surveillance, and health services for families with children at risk of lead poisoning or with elevated blood lead levels. The Healthy Homes section then helps these families receive lead abatement services. More information on CLPPP and Healthy Homes can be found on the MDHHS website: www.michigan.gov/lead.

For resources and information to use in your community during National Lead Prevention Week, a Partner Information Kit is available for free on the CDC’s website: www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/nlppw. Interested in helping at the state and regional level to end lead poisoning in Michigan? Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Homes is always seeking new members to join the coalition! Please contact Tina Reynolds at tina@environmentalcouncil.org with any questions.