National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and Identifying Exposure Risks in Homes, Schools and Businesses

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), takes place this year from October 20^th through the 26^th.

The week of recognition is described by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a call to bring together individuals, organizations, the industry, and state and local governments to help increase lead awareness by using their collective efforts and collaborations to reduce childhood exposure to lead. This is important as the CDC reports that childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. Still, approximately half a million U.S. children have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which the agency recommends public health actions be initiated.

“When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Lead poisoning is frequently caused by accidently swallowing or breathing in lead dust created by old paint that has cracked and chipped. Unfortunately, many homes and buildings still have lead-based paints in them. Other homes and buildings have issues with elevated lead levels in the water. This occurs when lead has leached from lead pipes or plumbing fixtures into the same water people drink, cook and bathe in. Some workers are also exposed to dangerous levels of lead at work and in some circumstances, they could bring dust with the toxic heavy metal back into their own homes if it has settled on their hair, skin and clothes. To help prevent lead poisoning, EMSL Analytical offers environmental and industrial hygiene testing for it and other hazardous substances. If lead is identified, any exposure risks can then be properly eliminated or mitigated.”

Last year, EMSL sponsored an educational video about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to help raise awareness. This video can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/OuiSO1c8k6U.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.nc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail