National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Below are components of a media campaign Local Health Agencies and others can use to promote lead poisoning awareness.

Sample Press Release	Social Media	Public Service Announcement - Radio
Public Service Announcement - Television	Educational Materials	CDC/EPA links for NLPPW

Sample Press Release

LEAD-FREE KIDS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE

Hundreds of thousands of children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health. They can develop behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity), slowed growth, hearing problems, and aggressive patterns of behavior. Stopping a child’s exposure to lead from leaded paint, house dust, or any other source is the best way to prevent the harmful effects of lead.

To raise awareness of the consequences of lead poisoning among parents and pregnant women who live in homes built before 1978, the (Name of Health Department) is participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 21-27. (Name of Health Department) joins the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in encouraging parents to learn more about how to prevent lead poisoning.

This year's NLPPW theme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, learn about drinking water, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.

Established in 1999 by the US Senate, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week occurs every year during the last week in October. During this week, 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, contact (Name of Health Department).

For a downloadable copy of press release, click here.

Social Media

Twitter

It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! Get your child tested and get the facts! #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Learn about the impacts of lead: (insert HD website’s url) #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
In Connecticut, Black and Hispanic children are at increased risk for lead poisoning. Learn more at: http://ct.gov/preventlead #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Children under age 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning. Learn more: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips.htm. #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Parents – ask your pediatrician to do a simple blood test for lead poisoning. Learn more: (insert HD website’s url). #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Having work done on your place? Childproof your home improvements: (insert HD website’s url). #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Renovating? Hire only EPA- or state-approved Lead-Safe Certified renovators: (insert HD website’s url). #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Before buying, renting or renovating your home, have it checked for lead-based paint: (insert HD website’s url). #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Worried about lead? Talk to a professional about lead hazards and prevention techniques: (insert HD website’s url). #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018
Worried about lead? Contact the National Lead Information Center with questions at 1 (800) 424-LEAD. #leadfreekids #NLPPW2018

Facebook

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Is October 21-27. If you plan on holding an awareness event in your community, download the media toolkit for ideas, resources, and more: (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/nlppw.htm)

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 21-27. Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health and children under age 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning. The good news: Lead poisoning is preventable! Learn why it’s important to prevent lead exposure: (insert HD website's url)

Exposure to lead can seriously harm children’s health. Learn more about the impacts of lead exposure for children across the U.S. (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/infographic.htm)It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! Get your home tested. Get your child tested. Get the facts. Learn why it’s important to prevent lead exposure: (insert HD website’s url)

Looking for resources to teach your child about lead? Coloring books are a great way to engage kids. ”Is There Lead in the Water?” is a useful tool from CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/publications/lead_in_water_activity_book_508.pdf

Worried about lead in your home? To talk to a professional about lead, lead hazards, and prevention techniques, visit the National Lead Information Center’s webpage: https://www.epa.gov/lead/forms/lead-hotline-national-lead-information-center.