According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are some of the most widespread and hazardous sources of lead exposure for young children in the United States. Approximately 29 million housing units have lead-based paint hazards including deteriorated paint and lead-contaminated house dust. About 2.6 million of these are home to young children.

At the October 18th City Council meeting, Mayor Paul Callaghan read a proclamation declaring October 23rd – 29th, 2022 to be Lead Poisoning Awareness Week in the City of Rochester.

WHEREAS, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and local governments to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness in an effort to reduce childhood exposure to lead. 

WHEREAS, Children from low-income households and those who live in housing built before 1978 are at the greatest risk of lead exposure.

WHEREAS, Houses built before 1978, the time before the use of lead in paint was banned, and houses in low-income areas, many of which have homes built before 1978, are more likely to contain lead-based paint and have pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures containing lead.

WHEREAS, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week highlights the many ways parents can reduce children’s exposure to lead in their environment and prevent its serious health effects. 

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and its many partners work to heighten awareness of lead poisoning, provide resources, and encourage preventive actions during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) and beyond.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Paul Callaghan, do hereby proclaim October 23rd – 29th, 2022 to be Lead Poisoning Awareness Week in the City of Rochester, New Hampshire.