Health District highlights free consumer product lead testing during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:October 26, 2026
LAS VEGAS — In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25-31, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging residents to use its free consumer product lead testing service to identify potential hazards in their home. This year’s theme, “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” emphasizes learning about lead hazards, testing children for lead exposure and identifying lead sources in the home.
Free testing is now available every Monday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Health District’s Main Public Health Center located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. No appointment is needed. Staff use an X-ray fluorescence analyzer to detect lead in consumer products and provide immediate results. Items residents can bring in include pottery and dishes used for food or beverages, toys, cups, keys and other household items.
Since the service began in April, Environmental Health staff have tested 51 items. Low levels of lead were detected in 29 items and a high level in one item, with kitchenware the most common category testing positive. Even low levels of lead can be a hazard, especially if the item is chipped, peeling or in bad condition. These results reflect items brought in for testing and do not indicate how common lead is in consumer products overall.
“This program provides a valuable service to our community, and I want to encourage everyone with young children to take advantage of this free resource,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Lead exposure can come from everyday consumer products that may contain lead, even those that appear safe or are marketed to children. Because lead exposure often occurs without obvious symptoms, prevention and early identification of potential sources are critical. This free testing program helps residents identify potential risks and protect their families from the harmful effects of lead.”
The findings also reinforce the importance of checking cookware for lead. Since 2018, Health District staff have conducted 55 investigations following reports of elevated blood lead levels in residents. Lead was found in cookware during 46 of those investigations. Other items and materials found to contain lead included keys, construction materials, toys, paint, food and soil. Some investigations identified more than one item or material containing lead.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children younger than 6 are particularly vulnerable, and even low levels can affect learning, behavior and brain development. Children exposed to lead may have no obvious signs or symptoms. Parents and caregivers should talk with their child’s health care provider about blood lead testing, particularly if they suspect exposure. Testing household products helps identify potential hazards; a blood lead test determines whether a child has been exposed.
Resources
- Learn more about the Health District’s free consumer product lead testing service in these short videos, available in Englishand Spanish.
- For more information about childhood lead poisoning prevention, go to www.snhd.info/clppp.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.