October 25, 2026
WHEREAS, October 25-31, 2026, is recognized as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), to bring together individuals, organizations, industry and tribal, state and local governments to reduce childhood lead exposure by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness; and,
WHEREAS,NLPPW brings together the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state health departments, to raise awareness about lead exposure and lead poisoning by providing public resources to encourage preventive actions during NLPPW and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, NLPPW highlights the many ways parents, caregivers and communities can reduce children's exposure to lead and prevent its harmful health effects; and,
WHEREAS, there is no known safe amount of lead in blood and exposure to lead hazards can cause serious health problems for young children, fetuses and nursing babies because their bodies and nervous systems are still developing; and,
WHEREAS, to help prevent and address lead exposure in Michigan children as soon as possible, universal blood lead testing laws were enacted in April 2025 requiring physicians to provide blood lead testing for all children at 12 months and 24 months and at other intervals based on exposure risk; and,
WHEREAS, from October 2024 to September 2025, blood lead tests for 151,569 children under 6 years old were reported by laboratories, and 4,933 tested children had elevated blood levels; and,
WHEREAS, earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) rolled out the statewide Filter Support Program that provides certified lead-reducing drinking water filter and replacement cartridges to eligible households as part of its Get Ahead of Lead initiative; and,
WHEREAS, MDHHS remains committed to preventing lead exposure and protecting the health of Michigan residents through education and by identifying lead hazards in homes, including lead dust, paint, soil and drinking water, in addition to connecting families with safety net services and resources to help ensure homes are lead-safe; and,
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan has been a leader in prevention of lead by working with local governments and organizations to reduce exposure through education, filter distribution and home inspection; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 25-31, 2026, Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Michigan.
