Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Lead poisoning is preventable. Ingestion of lead contaminated dust, paint, and soil are the primary cases of childhood lead poisoning. Lead can also be found in lead glazed or painted pottery, ammunition, fishing sinkers, stained glass solder, batteries, and imported foods, supplements and candy, clothing, toys and jewelry.
Children between the ages of 9 months and 6 years of age are at greatest risk of exposure of lead because they are apt to put fingers, hands, and toys in their mouths. Children are eye level with window sills where lead paint could be lurking. They are at risk for poisoning if they chew on these areas or inhale lead-tainted dust created by opening & closing windows.
New York State requires doctors to do lead testing on all children at ages 1 and 2. Only a blood test can tell how much lead is in a child’s body. Visit the NYS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention website https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/ for more information.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determines acceptable blood lead levels in children, found here: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/lead_levels_in_children_fact_sheet.pd
Watch a video on lead poisoning prevention at https://www.canva.com/design/DAFB6q8PAdU/271tCdTFkAoonbUIZxdIDA/watch?utm_content=DAFB6q8PAdU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink
The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is coordinated by:
Christine Gedney, RN
(315) 946-5749
Lead poisoning has no initial symptoms but can lead to:
- loss of developmental skills
- slowed body growth
- low iron
- reduced IQ
- hearing loss
- behavior and attention problems
Parents can protect their child from becoming lead poisoned by:
- Wash your child’s hands often before meals, nap time, after playing outside and at bedtime.
- Provide their children with a lead-healthy diet
- Wet dust and wet mop your home to keep dust tainted with lead from being spread throughout your home.
- Take appropriate precautions when starting remodeling projects More information can be found in Renovate Right Booklet
Contact the program coordinator if you are interested in more information about this topic, such as educational materials, presentations, and resources.
