National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Take Action! National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 19-25, 2025!
Lead poisoning has the potential to seriously impact the health of children, but it’s 100% preventable. Every year, new cases of lead poisoning are confrmed in Maine children. Why? Because the work to remove lead hazards isn't over.
Portland and Westbrook residents - we are your local lead experts! Together let's work to improve the health of our communities by caling attention to the ways we can prevent childhood lead poisoning.
This year, we are highlighting 3 goals to reduce the risk of exposure Maine:
Goal 1: Increase Awareness of Childhood Lead Poisoning!
Did you know approximately 50% of homes in Portland were built before 1950? In Maine, the greatest risk to lead exposure is through lead dust found in old homes that have still have lead paint. Test now and learn your risk of exposure! Property owners and tenants: Request a free lead dust test kit from the Maine CDC to check for lead. Parents: The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is by receiving a blood lead test from their doctor.
Goal 2: Get Children Tested!
It's important for babies and children in Maine to get tested for childhood lead poisoning. Finding and addressing the hazard is important to reduce the impact of lead poisoning! Plan for you child to receive a blood lead test at their annual visits at ages 1 and 2 years old or talk to your child’s healthcare provider if your older child may have been exposed to lead.
No doctor? No problem! Portland Public Health provides free blood lead testing for all children. Contact (207) 874-8982 to talk to schedule an appointment with our clinic or visit our website.
Goal 3: Spread the Word and Share Resources!
Community action is key! Let's work together to reduce childhood lead poisoning by sharing critical information and FREE resources with our neighbors, family, and community groups:
- Learn about lead exposure, lead hazards, testing for childhood lead poisoning, and so much more by reviewing our tipsheets: View tipsheets.
- Test your child by talking to their doctor or calling Portland Public Health if your child does not have one. Contact (207) 874-8982 to talk to schedule an appointment with our clinic or visit our website.
- Test your home for the presence of lead with a free lead dust test kits through the Maine CDC: Order your free lead dust test kit.
- Learn how to complete a lead dust test kit by watching the YouTube video below!
BONUS! Enter the Cleaning Kit Giveaway to learn how old your home is and enter a chance to win $150+ worth of cleaning supplies! Click here to learn more.
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Cleaning Kit Giveaway
To recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Portland Public Health is giving away two cleaning kits (worth over $150)!
Cleaning with "wet supplies" is a great way to protect children from lead poisoning. If you live in an old building, take time to clean your floors, windowsills, door trim, and baseboards with a damp rag or mop once a week.
"Wet supplies" are products used for lead-safe cleaning to stop the spread of lead dust. Each kit includes:
- A mop
- Heavy-duty wipes
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- Toy and highchair cleaner
- Paper towels
- Hand soap
- Household detergent concentrate
- Buckets
- A spray bottle
- Gloves
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Rags
- And more! Each kit is valued at over $150!
Click here to complete this short lead safety screening to enter the Cleaning Kit Giveaway. Your information will be kept confidential and will only be used to provide resources about household lead risk.
This giveaway is open October 1 - October 31, 2025. Participants must live or stay in Portland or Westbrook, Maine. One entry per address. Two names will be drawn randomly in November to select the winners.
Contact leadprevention@portlandmaine.gov with questions.