Little Rock, Arkansas – From October 19 through October 25, 2025, communities across Arkansas and the United States will join in observing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), a week dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and offering guidance on protecting children from its harmful effects. Sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this week emphasizes the critical role that parents, caregivers, educators, and communities play in preventing childhood lead poisoning.
Lead exposure, although largely reduced in recent decades, remains a significant public health concern, particularly for young children whose bodies and brains are still developing. According to health experts, there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even minimal amounts can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, resulting in learning difficulties, behavioral challenges, delayed growth, and other long-term health complications. Pregnant women exposed to lead also face risks, including premature births, smaller babies, and miscarriage. “Bright futures begin lead-free,” says the NLPPW theme, underscoring the importance of taking proactive measures to eliminate or minimize lead exposure.
In Arkansas, the ADH will participate in multiple events throughout the week to engage with families and provide educational resources on lead safety. Activities include the City of Little Rock Employee Health Fair on Friday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Big Boo!seum Bash at the Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center on Thursday, October 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the Vestido Rojo event at the Gujarati Samaj of Arkansas on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These events will offer interactive experiences and provide information about how to reduce lead hazards in homes and communities.
Lead was banned from residential paint and gasoline in the United States during the 1970s, yet it persists in older homes, soil, water systems, and some imported toys. One of the most common sources of exposure is deteriorated lead-based paint found in homes built before 1978. According to the CDC, approximately 3.3 million American households with children under six still contain lead hazards from paint, dust, or contaminated soil. In Arkansas alone, 277 children were reported to have elevated blood lead levels in 2023, highlighting that this public health issue continues to affect communities statewide.
Exposure to lead can happen in multiple ways. Children may ingest lead dust from peeling paint, contaminated soil, or even old plumbing systems that leach lead into drinking water. Take-home exposure from parents working in industries where lead is present can also pose risks. Additionally, some metal toys or painted toys may contain lead. Early detection is crucial because lead poisoning is often preventable, and simple interventions can protect children before permanent damage occurs. A blood test remains the most reliable method to determine if a child has been exposed to lead.
Parents and caregivers can take several key steps to reduce their children’s exposure. First, getting informed is essential. “Get the Facts: Find out about the hazards of lead. ADH can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning. Contact them at 501-671-1472 or review the ADH Lead-Based Paint program webpage,” officials advise. Second, parents should ensure their children are tested. A routine blood test administered by a pediatrician can detect elevated lead levels before symptoms develop. Third, testing the home environment is crucial. Older homes, especially those built before 1978, may harbor lead in paint, dust, or plumbing systems. Certified professionals can evaluate the property and recommend strategies to minimize risks. Information on lead in drinking water is also available on the EPA Drinking Water webpage.
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For homeowners in pre-1978 properties, complete lead abatement is the only way to fully remove hazards. Certified contractors can remove lead-based paint, clean contaminated dust, replace fixtures, and implement measures to permanently cover or eliminate soil-lead hazards. “Abatement should always be made by a state-certified contractor,” ADH officials emphasize, highlighting the importance of proper setup, cleanup, disposal, and post-abatement clearance testing. For Arkansas residents, a list of lead-accredited companies and personnel is available on the ADH Lead-Based Paint program webpage.
If full abatement is not feasible, homeowners must exercise caution when disturbing lead paint. Renovation, repair, or painting projects in older homes should only be performed by federally certified Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) contractors. When done incorrectly, such activities can generate harmful lead dust that poses serious health risks to children and other household members. Taking the proper precautions ensures work is conducted in a lead-safe manner, reducing exposure for families.
Beyond professional interventions, everyday practices can significantly lower the risk of lead exposure. Washing children’s hands before meals and after outdoor play, cleaning toys and pacifiers regularly, and maintaining a diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C can all help reduce the absorption of lead. Using wet methods for dusting and mopping, keeping shoes outside the home, and ensuring any renovation work follows lead-safe practices further protect households.
While public awareness campaigns and community programs are vital, individual action remains central to preventing lead poisoning. Families are encouraged to actively participate in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, utilize local resources, and share information with neighbors and other caregivers. Early intervention and vigilance can prevent lifelong consequences, ensuring children grow up in environments that promote health, development, and safety.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week also serves as a reminder for policymakers and public health officials to continue prioritizing lead safety initiatives. Collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, combined with community engagement, provides families with the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to address lead hazards effectively.
For more information about lead safety, blood testing, home evaluation, or certified contractors in Arkansas, contact the ADH Lead-Based Paint program at 501-671-1472 or the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. These resources provide guidance to help families create lead-safe environments and protect children from the lifelong consequences of exposure.
As National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025 unfolds, the central message is clear: preventing lead exposure is not just a public health responsibility, it is a community commitment. By taking informed steps, getting children tested, and ensuring homes are free from lead hazards, parents and caregivers can safeguard the health and futures of the next generation. Bright futures, after all, truly begin lead-free.
