Each year, The Department of Housing and Urban Development highlights the Importance of Lead Poisoning Prevention. In addition, the annual awareness campaign emphasizes the importance of preventing lead exposure in children.

HUD leaders say this year’s campaign is particularly important because lead testing plummeted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health leaders say this is of particular concern because lead poisoning in 100 percent preventable.

Lead Poisoning: 100% Preventable in Children

Prevention of lead poisoning in children can have severe, long-term impacts. Some of the well-documented adverse effects include:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system. 
• Slowed growth and development.
• Learning and behavior problems. 
• Hearing and speech problems. 

HUD lowered the blood lead levels several years ago in an effort to protect more children from exposure. Here are some steps to make sure your home and family stay lead-free. 

• Talk to your child’s doctor about a simple blood lead test. If you are expecting a child, talk with your doctor about possible sources of lead exposure.
• If you live in a home or a property built before 1978, have paint and dust tested in your home for lead. 
• Renovations must be done safely. Sanding, Cutting, as well as replacing windows can all stir potentially toxic dust.
• Finally, do not forget to check your children’s toys. For example, many toys and toy jewelry can be recalled over lead levels. You can keep up with the latest toy recalls here. 
  

Furthermore, the eradication of lead is one of the key pillars of the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Plan. Specifically, the plan aims to preserve and restore more than one million public housing units. Many of these existing units are more than 50 years old. Many also have mold, lead paint, and other health hazards inside. The Build Back Better plan will use $3 billion to specifically fund the inspection and removal of lead-based paint from 175,000 affordable housing units.