IDPH Marks Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31

IDPH Marks Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31

This year's observance follows state's move to universal lead testing in July

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, 2026. This year's observance follows the state's move to implement universal lead testing, which took effect July 1, 2026. Each month in Illinois, hundreds of children around the state are found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to developmental and learning difficulties and other health issues.

"Universal lead testing is an essential tool for identifying and helping children who have been exposed to lead," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "It's equally important to identify and remove sources of lead exposure before a child is in harm's way. This week is all about reminding Illinoisans to take the steps to prevent lead poisoning and keep our children safe."

The most common source of exposure is from deteriorated lead-based paint, which was used in many homes built before 1978. Children can be exposed by swallowing or breathing in lead dust created by old paint that has peeled, cracked, or chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on surfaces coated with lead-based paint, such as windowsills. If you live in a house built before 1978, a certified inspector or risk assessor can check your home for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. It's estimated that there are still well over one million homes in Illinois that contain lead-based paint.

Lead can also be found in drinking water. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures.

Lead exposure can be significantly reduced by taking simple precautions around the house. These include the following:

• Cleaning up paint chips and peeling paint
• Washing floors, counter tops, and windowsills weekly with soap and water
• Using proper safety measures when renovating or remodeling your house, like spraying down painted surfaces with water before scraping or sanding, and using plastic sheeting to capture any debris generated
• Assuring that children and pregnant women do not enter a work area until renovations are complete and the area has been thoroughly cleaned
• Washing a child's hands, mouth and face, and toys often
• Having your water tested for lead. If lead is detected, allow the cold water to run for several minutes in the morning before using it for drinking, cooking, or mixing infant formula in case lead pipes or solder is present. Only use cold water for cooking
• Lead can also be found in products made outside of the U.S., such as toys, pottery, and make-up. It can also be found in many home remedies or ceremonial powders
• Removing shoes when coming indoors so lead from dust or soil is not tracked inside
• Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet that is high in calcium and iron, which can help reduce lead absorption

In addition, IDPH oversees the Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction, and Window Replacement (CLEAR-Win) program. CLEAR-Win aims to assist residential property owners to reduce lead paint and leaded plumbing hazards in qualified homes throughout Illinois by way of window replacement and remediation of other sources of lead. More information on eligibility and the application process can be found at CLEAR-Win.

Additional information on lead exposure and prevention can be found on the IDPH website at Lead Poisoning Prevention. IDPH will also host a public webinar on lead poisoning, testing, and prevention on Thursday, October 29, from noon to 1pm; details and signup can be found here.