This year's Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 20-26, is being recognized throughout the world. More than 35 countries are participating and will hold public awareness events throughout the week. As EPA reports, this year's theme "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," focuses on the importance of preventing harmful lead exposure and testing homes for the dangerous substance. "Joining with other countries to raise awareness about protecting children from the harmful exposure to lead will have a long-term positive effect on the health of children worldwide," says EPA's Jim Jones.To help other countries educate their communities on lead poisoning, EPA translated its educational materials and provided custom resources for activities and events. Some of the international events include: a medical professionals conference in India; a report on lead levels found in household paint sold in the Philippines; and national outreach campaigns by the Georgian and South African governments.
Visit the Lead Poisoning Prevention Week website for more information, and to see which countries are participating this year.