2018 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

October 7, 2018

October 21-27, 2018, is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and we are spreading the word about how to protect children from lead. Data describing childhood lead poisoning, screening tests, and risk factors on the Maine Tracking Network help organizations understand and respond to the issue in their community.

There is no safe level of lead in the body, yet children continue to be exposed to lead in paint, dust, soil, and water in and around the home. In Maine, lead paint dust is the most common cause of childhood lead poisoning. While lead paint can be found in houses and buildings built before 1978, most lead paint is found in homes built before 1950. Explore the risk-factor map to see the percentage of occupied housing in Maine that is pre-1950.

Percent of housing units built before 1950 by county, Maine 2011-2015Activities for Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:

Lead poisoning is one hundred percent preventable. For that reason, we are calling on healthcare providers and parents to help us make progress to end childhood lead poisoning. Each day of Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Maine CDC will share information on a specific topic:

  • Monday: Sources of Lead Poisoning
  • Tuesday: Lead exposure is 100% preventable
  • Wednesday: Blood lead testing for 1- and 2-year-olds
  • Thursday: Safe renovation, repair and painting projects
  • Friday: Prevention means a comprehensive approach

Follow the campaign on social media by using the hashtags #leadfreekids, #leadfreeME and #NLPPW2018.
This will allow you to:

  • Share information about childhood lead poisoning prevention
  • Ask questions
  • Join in the discussion

Learn More: