Contact:
Claire Maher
Claire.Maher@flhealth.gov
813-559-4065

Hillsborough County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH- Hillsborough) recognizes October 19, 2025, through October 25, 2025, as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a time to increase awareness on lead poisoning prevention to reduce childhood exposure to lead.

Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can cause serious health problems, especially in children, such as damage to the brain and nervous system, slow growth and development, hearing and speech problems, and more. Common sources of lead include old paint, contaminated soil, and lead pipes.

Lead Poisoning Prevention

• Homes built before 1978 should be inspected for lead by certified professionals.
• Ensure children do not have access to chipping, peeling, or chalking paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.
• Dust from lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning for children in the United States. Use wet mops, wet wipes, or warm soapy water to clean dust from floors and windowsills.
• Some activities, such as renovating old houses, construction, soldering, or welding, can lead to lead dust. Individuals can bring it home on their hands or clothes. After these activities, change into clean clothes and wash hands before caring for children at home. Wash these clothes separately from other clothes to avoid cross contamination.
• Wash children’s hands after playing outside, before eating and going to bed, and wash any toys, pacifiers, or other objects that children may put in their mouth regularly.
• Children should eat a well-balanced diet that includes vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
• There are often no signs or symptoms of lead poisoning. Children that may have been exposed to lead should be tested.

Lead Prevention Program

DOH-Hillsborough’s Lead Prevention Program offers blood lead screenings to children. If you would like to have your child screened for lead, please call 813-559-4181 or visit DOH-Hillsborough’s lead webpage for more information.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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