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The DOEE Lead Resource Hub is your go-to destination for understanding lead exposure, preventing health risks, andaccessing support services in Washington, DC. Whether you're a parent, healthcare provider, renter, homeowner, orcommunity advocate, this webpage connects you to the tools and information you need to keep your environmentlead-safe and minimize lead exposure.
If you think you or your child have been exposed to lead, please reach out to your healthcare provider and DC Health at (202) 442-5955 or by email at [email protected] for information about next steps.
Lead Sources
Lead can be found in the air, water, and soil, especially in areas with older buildings and infrastructure. Lead and The District Flyer.
- Lead-Based Paint & Dust: Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. When it deteriorates, itcreates toxic dust. Get the facts before you renovate.
- Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead | US EPA
- Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program | US EPA
- DOEE Lead Compliance and Enforcement: Do you have concerns about chipping, flaking or peeling paintin a rental property built before 1978 or see unsafe work practices in your area? If so, submit acomplaint to DOEE.
- DOEE Lead Reduction Program| doee: The Lead Reduction Program assists eligible householdswith lead hazard reduction activities.
- Soil Contamination: Lead from past industrial use or leaded gasoline can remain in soil for decades.
- Drinking Water & Plumbing: Lead can enter through corroded pipes, solder, or fixtures.
- Sources of Lead - Drinking Water | US EPA
- DC Water: Lead Free DC Service Line Map – Use this map to check your home address’ water serviceline material.
- DC Water: Minimize Your Risk of Lead Exposure – visit this page to learn more about potential sources of lead in your home’s plumbing and how to mitigate exposure.
- Consumer Products: Some foods, imported toys, jewelry, cosmetics, and ceramics may contain lead.
- FDA Recalls (to view Lead Recalls, search “Levels of Lead” using the search bar)
- CPSC Recalls (to view Lead Recalls, click “Lead” using the Hazard tab)
- Home Renovations: Disturbing lead-painted surfaces during remodeling can release lead dust. Hire aDOEE-certified lead professional.
- Occupational Exposure: Workers in construction, auto repair, pottery making, or battery manufacturingmay bring lead dust home.
Families
There is no safe level of lead in the body. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. Achild is considered to be poisoned by lead if they have a blood lead test result at or above 3.5 μg/dL (micrograms per deciliter). This section offers tools and tips for families to stay safe:
- Health Effects: Lead exposure can affect brain development, behavior, and learning in children. Somechildren may not show symptoms, which is why blood lead testing is so important.
- Twice by Two Initiative and the DC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP): District lawrequires testing all children for lead at 6–14 months, and again at age 22–26 months. If your child receives a blood lead test of 3.5 μg/dL or above, you will be provided case management from the
- Twice by Two Campaign
- Childhood Lead Poisoning and Prevention | doh
- Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level: Testing Types (venous draw vs. capillary draw)and what to do once you have received results.
- Prevention Tips:
- Home Safety Practices: Cleaning techniques, hygiene practices and other actions to reduceexposure to lead.
- Nutrition Strategies: Fight Lead with a Healthy Diet - Iron, Calcium and Vitamin C help reduce absorption of lead in the body.
- DC Water Offers:
- Free drinking water lead test kits: Request your annual free water lead test kit.
- Lead pipe replacement assistance: Learn about free and discounted options for replacing yourlead service line.
Healthcare Providers
Medical professionals play a key role in early detection and prevention:
- Screening Guidelines: District law requires that every child residing in the District receive a blood leadscreening test between 6 and 14 months of age and again between 22 and 26 months. If a child over 26months has not been tested, the law requires testing at least twice before age six. On October 28, 2021,CDC updated the blood lead reference value (BLRV) from 5.0 μg/dL to 3.5 μg /dL .
- DC Lead Reporting Guidelines: Transmittal 22-36 - Lead Cover FY23 | dhcf
- Department of Healthcare Finance (DHCF) & Medicaid Resources: Medicaid covers lead testing underEPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment).
Community Partners
Community organizations are vital in spreading awareness and supporting prevention:
- Agency Collaborations: DOEE, DC Health, DC Water, DHCF, OSSE
- Events Calendar: Stay informed about upcoming lead awareness events.
- National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (last week of October, annually)
- Upcoming events TBA
- Outreach & Education Toolkits: Download materials to support your community education efforts.
Homeowners & Renters
If you live in or manage older housing, this section helps you understand your responsibilities and resources:
- Lead Hazards in Homes: Learn how to identify and address lead in paint, pipes, and soil.
- DC Tenant & Property Owners Rights & Responsibilities: DC law requires landlords to disclose knownlead hazards. See a list of certified lead abatement and remediation professionals.
- DC Water:
- Lead Service Line Replacement Program
- Lead Free DC Construction Dashboard – Use the dashboard to see when lead service line constructionis taking place in your neighborhood.
- DC Health:
Lead Recalls
Stay informed about products that may pose a lead risk:
- FDA Recalls (to view Lead Recalls, search “Levels of Lead” using the search bar)
- CPSC Recalls (to view Lead Recalls, click “Lead” using the Hazard tab)
Lead Testing & Support Services
Home testing is the first step to prevention:
- DOEE: Find a certified lead abatement or remediation contractor:
- Certified Lead Based Paint Abatement-Renovation Companies
- Lead-Based Paint Consultant Companies (Lead inspections, risk assessment and air monitoring)
DOEE tests the drinking water in childcare development facilities:
- DC Water:
- EPA:
FAQs & Reports
Access data and answers to common questions:
- CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention FAQs
- DOEE Annual Childhood Lead Screening Reports (Access all published reports at the bottom of thewebpage under “Lead Testing and Screening Information”)
- DC Childcare Facility Water Testing Results: Want to know the results of the drinking water testingconducted at your child's development facility? Input the date and view results.
- Department of Recreation (DPR), DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) Water Sampling Test Results
- DC Water Reports