The Illinois Department of Public Health is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from Oct. 25-31, urging residents to take steps to prevent childhood lead exposure.

The observance follows the state's move to universal lead testing, which took effect July 1, 2026. As of that date, Illinois now conducts lead testing on all children, according to the department.

Each month in Illinois, hundreds of children statewide are found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to developmental and learning difficulties and other health issues, the department said.

"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."

Where lead is found

The most common source of exposure is deteriorated lead-based paint, which was used in many homes built before 1978. Children can be exposed by swallowing or breathing in lead dust from old paint that has peeled, cracked or chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on surfaces coated with lead-based paint, such as windowsills. The department estimates well over one million homes in Illinois still contain lead-based paint.

Lead can also be found in drinking water, most commonly from lead pipes, faucets and fixtures. It can also be present in products made outside the U.S., such as toys, pottery and make-up, as well as in some home remedies and ceremonial powders.

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.

How to reduce exposure

The department says lead exposure can be significantly reduced with simple precautions, including:

  • 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, such as spraying painted surfaces with water before scraping or sanding and using plastic sheeting to capture debris
  • Keeping children and pregnant women out of a work area until renovations are complete and the area is thoroughly cleaned
  • Washing a child's hands, mouth, face and toys often
  • Having your water tested for lead; if lead is detected, run cold water for several minutes in the morning before using it for drinking, cooking or mixing infant formula, and only use cold water for cooking
  • Removing shoes when coming indoors so lead from dust or soil is not tracked inside
  • Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet high in calcium and iron, which can help reduce lead absorption

Programs and resources

IDPH oversees the Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction, and Window Replacement (CLEAR-Win) program, which aims to help residential property owners reduce lead paint and leaded plumbing hazards in qualified homes through window replacement and remediation. Information on eligibility and the application process is on the IDPH website.

IDPH will host a public webinar on lead poisoning, testing and prevention on Thursday, Oct. 29, from noon to 1 p.m. Details, signup and additional information on lead exposure and prevention are available on the IDPH website.

Source: the original release