Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable diseases that kids can get. That said, 250,000 kids have high levels of lead in their blood annually. Every October, National Lead Poisoning Prevention week is held to help raise awareness about lead poisoning.

Lead is simply one of those things that you really wish wasn’t around. Sure, it’s got its uses, but giving your kids learning disabilities or seizures really aren’t things we’re interested, thanks. Though kiddos with lead poisoning often have no symptoms, they can also develop stomachaches, irritability, behavioral problems, fatigue, headaches, nausea and even die from lead exposure.

During this week, it’s stressed that all kids younger than six be tested for lead. Ages one and two are particularly at risk. Many health clinics offer free lead screening during this week, so there’s no excuse to not get it done.

(A friend recently told me that, though her local resource provided bike helmets for a mere $5, parents still gave excuses as to why they wouldn’t purchase them for their kids to where while riding their bikes—which certainly cost more than five bucks! I just don’t get parental logic sometimes.)

Ways to reduce lead exposure are also highlighted during this observance. You can have lead anywhere, both inside and outside your home. Even if you think a lead source is only outside, such as with lead paint, the paint can mix with dust and be tracked into your home; so it’s still important to get checked.

The most common methods of lead poisoning occur when kids eat lead paint chips, play in lead contaminated dirt, or put their hands or lead items in their mouths. Make sure you wash children’s hands after playing in dust or dirt, as well as their toys. Avoid hot water for cooking and drinking, and test or refrain from buying toys made from lead.

You may also want to have your soil tested for lead. Other precautions you can take include wiping off surfaces (such as window sills) with damp paper towels and throwing them away, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, mopping weekly, and taking off your shoes when you enter your home.

If you’re in Washington, DC around October 23 through 25, you can also attend the Smithsonian exhibit, “What’s scarier than Halloween? Lead poisoning!” For more information about lead, be sure to call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.