Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead is a toxic metal used to make certain products and materials. Lead was used in paint, glassware, gasoline, and some dishes before it was banned. It is still used in some products in the U.S. and other countries. 

Lead poisoning occurs when lead is swallowed or breathed in. Lead often enters children's bodies when they put their hands, toys, or other items covered with lead dust into their mouths. 

Exposure to even a small amount of lead can be harmful to children. Lead poisoning in children can lead to: 

  • Damage to the brain and nervous system 
  • Slowed growth and development 
  • Learning and behavioral problems 
  • Hearing and speech problems

The good news is that lead exposure can be prevented. 

Our lead poisoning prevention program monitors elevated blood lead levels of children in Schuyler County. When a child has an elevated lead level, we work with the family and the NYSDOH Hornell District Office to identify the lead exposure risks and create a plan to lower lead levels. 

We also provide education to community members on how to prevent lead poisoning and common ways people may be exposed to lead such as lead paint or soil around their home. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who is at Highest Risk of Getting Poisoned by Lead? 

  • Children living in homes built before 1978:  
    • Homes built before 1978 often have lead paint. Extremely small (mostly invisible) lead dust will be produced when old paint cracks and peels.  
  • Children living in low-income households: 
    • Homes in low-income areas are more likely to contain lead-based paint and have lead-containing pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures.  
  • Children who are immigrants, refugees, or adopted from other countries with less strict lead exposure regulations.  
  • Children living with adults who are exposed to lead in their workplace or from hobbies: 
    • Adults working in battery manufacturing or in renovation of older houses can bring lead dust home on their clothes, skin, hair, etc. 
    • Some hobbies that work with lead-containing products (such as crafts using paints, glazes, solder, and bullets) can expose children to lead. 

Why are Young Children at Highest Risk of Being Poisoned by Lead? 

Children under 6 are more susceptible to these health effects because their growing bodies absorb 4-5 times more lead than adults. Children 9 months to 2 years of age are at even higher risk because they frequently put their hands and objects into their mouths as part of their development. 

How Can You Tell If a Child has Lead Poisoning? 

Lead poisoning is usually not visible. A simple blood test is the only way to know if a child is poisoned. 

  • All children should receive blood lead tests at age 1 and again at age 2. 
  • Children should also be tested for lead whenever they may have been exposed to lead or have a positive response to any question in the Does Your Child Need a Lead Test? questionnaire. 
  • There is no safe blood lead level. New York State defines an elevated blood lead level as 5 µg/dL . 

What are Common Items and Places that can have Lead? 

  • Old paint (from before 1978, found in homes, on old toys, furniture, crafts)
  • Lead dust from cracking lead paint
  • Soil 
  • Drinking water from lead pipes
  • Imported candies
  • Some juice
  • Toys and Jewelry 
  • Some types of dishes 
  • Cosmetics 
  • Home renovations 
  • Folk medicines

Not every kind of item above is guaranteed to have lead in it, but these are common sources where lead may be found. 

How Can Children be Protected from Lead? 

  • Wash children's hands and toys often.  
  • Wet-mop floors and wet-wipe window components frequently. 
  • Keep children away from peeling paint and broken plaster. 
  • Avoid having children play in bare soil. 
  • Avoid children using traditional folk medicines or eating imported candies, especially those from Mexico. 
  • Learn about lead-safe renovation practices. 
  • Don't bring lead home from work or hobbies. 
  • Check the lead recall list at https://www.cpsc.gov/recalls.

Are there foods that can help prevent lead poisoning? 

Yes, eating a variety of nutritious foods can help keep lead from being absorbed by the body:  

  • Iron helps protect from the harmful effects of lead. 
  • Calcium makes it harder for lead to enter the body. 
  • Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and calcium better. 

Learn more about foods that can help by visiting Good Nutrition Helps: Reduce the Effects of Lead!

I'm a daycare provider, what do I need to know about lead poisoning prevention?

Daycare providers can help take steps to prevent lead poisoning among the children they care for. If you are a daycare provider, you can request a copy of the Finger Lakes Coalition to Stop Lead Poisoning's Day Care Tool Kit by filling out this form: https://www.schuylercounty.us/formcenter/public-health-6/request-a-copy-of-the-lead-poisoning-pre-48 or calling our office at 607-535-8140.

I'm a contractor or work in code enforcement, what do I need to know about lead poisoning prevention?

Lead-safe work practices can help reduce exposure to lead and help protect children and adults from lead poisoning. Learn more about steps you can take by clicking here.

Looking for resources or to learn more about the program?

Call our office at 607-535-8140. 

You can also check out the following resources: