Last Updated: October 17, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov
RHHD Shares Tips for Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 19-25
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take steps to prevent childhood lead poisoning. These steps include talking to a healthcare provider about testing children for lead poisoning and testing for lead in homes built before 1978. Oct. 19-25 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Know the dangers of lead poisoning.
Even at low levels, lead interferes with normal brain development and may cause reduced intelligence, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities in children. Children who have lead poisoning may not show any early signs or symptoms. Having your child tested is the only way to know if they are lead poisoned.
Talk to a professional about lead testing.
The RHHD Lead Safe Program provides lead education, screening, and lead risk assessments and inspections for lead poisoned children. Please call 804-205-3726 for more information.
“During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, we remind everyone that there is no safe level of lead in the body,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy. “Childhood lead exposure is preventable. You can stop lead exposure before it starts by having your home tested and repaired and by following safe work practices. Let’s ensure that children have Lead Safe places to live, learn, and play.”
Talk to your healthcare provider or explore RHHD’s list of local pediatricians if you have questions about lead testing for children. Use this tool from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to locate a Lead-Based Paint Professional in your area.
Take these steps to help prevent lead poisoning at home and work:
- Wet-clean floors and windowsills regularly.
- Wash children’s hands and toys frequently.
- Be aware of chipping paint.
- Use lead-safe practices to make sure painted surfaces are maintained or repaired.
- Improper paint repairs could create more hazardous lead poison conditions.
- Be aware of toys, jewelry, dishes, pottery, and foods that may contain lead.
- Be aware of hobbies or jobs that may involve working with lead, including:
- Stained glass making
- Pottery
- Painting
- Construction
Consider the following factors when assessing your child’s risk of lead poisoning:
- Older homes can contain lead-based paint and hazardous lead dust levels. Homes built before 1978, the year the EPA banned lead-based paint, may still contain lead paint. Young children are most at risk for lead poisoning through lead dust and lead paint exposure.
- Lead can exist in water pipes. Richmond residents can contact the Lead Free Water Program for more information. Henrico residents can contact the Lead Service Line Replacement Program for more information. A new federal rule requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.
- Lead can exist in bare soil. New homes may be built on lots that still have lead dust in the soil. Families should limit the amount of time children play in bare soil, keep outside toys outside, and encourage hand washing.
- Nutrition can provide some protection from lead poising. Children who get enough food—and especially iron, vitamin C, and calcium rich foods—are less likely to absorb high levels of lead. RHHD offers access to healthy foods for children through the WIC Supplemental Nutrition program.
Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.
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