National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) 2026 is October 25 through October 31, with the theme “Keep Kids Safe from Lead.” The goal of NLPPW is to highlight the importance of safe living environments for children, raise awareness, and promote lead-safe practices. Everybody can start these practices by following three simple steps: 

1) Get the facts: Lead is still a problem that we see in many communities today. There are many ways to be exposed to lead but there are also ways to protect your family and community. 

2) Get your child tested: A blood lead test is the best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning. Ask your child’s doctor about getting tested.

3) Get your home tested: Most homes built before 1978 still have some lead paint. Lead can also be in pipes and plumbing fixtures. You can also track it inside from soil or lead dust related to some professions and hobbies. 

For more information on NLPPW, visit https://www.epa.gov/lead/national-lead-poisoning-prevention-week

The Blood Lead Surveillance Branch is made up of two programs:

1. The Texas Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
2. The Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Program

The Texas Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (TXCLPPP) maintains a surveillance system of blood lead results on children younger than 15 years of age. Texas law requires reporting of blood lead tests, elevated and non-elevated, for children younger than 15 years of age. Physicians, laboratories, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities must report all blood lead tests to the Texas Child Lead Registry.

The Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Program (ABLES) maintains a surveillance system of blood lead test results on individuals 15 years of age and older. Laboratories and physicians are required by the Texas Reportable Occupational Conditions Act to report all blood lead levels.

Last updated October 28, 2025