GO Health urges residents in older homes to test for lead to keep kids safe
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be October 25-31. This year’s theme, “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” encourages families to get the facts, get their child tested, and get their home tested.
Lead can harm a child’s growth, behavior and ability to learn. Even low levels of lead can make it harder for children to learn, pay attention, and do well in school. Children under 6 are at greatest risk because their bodies and brains are still growing, and they are more likely to put their hands and objects in their mouths.
“Lead exposure can be hard to detect because many children who have lead in their blood do not look or feel sick,” said Gabrielle Lanich, lead program coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “A blood lead test is the best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead.”
According to the census, 72.6% of occupied homes in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.
“Childhood lead exposure is a significant issue due to the number of older homes that may contain lead-based paint,” said Paul Pettit, public health director of GO Health.
GO Health encourages parents and community members to learn more about preventing lead exposure by exploring the three key themes of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
Get the Facts
Lead can be found in and around the home. Common sources include deteriorating lead-based paint and dust, contaminated soil, and some consumer products. Older homes may have water pipes that contain lead.
Children may be exposed when they swallow or breathe in lead dust, put dusty hands or objects in their mouths, eat paint chips or contaminated soil, or drink water containing lead. When old paint chips, peels, cracks, or rubs together, it can create lead dust. Lead dust can settle on windowsills, floors, toys, and other surfaces where young children play. Lead dust can also be created during renovation, repair, or painting projects that disturb lead-based paint.
Get Your Child Tested
There is no safe blood lead level for lead. In New York State, all children should have a blood lead test at age 1 and again at age 2. Parents and caregivers can talk to their child’s healthcare provider about lead testing, especially if their child spends time in an older home or building. Pregnant women who have been around lead should also be tested.
Get Your Home Tested
If your home was built before 1978, you should get it tested for lead paint. If you rent, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested. Contact GO Health for more information on getting your home tested.
Families can reduce lead dust by wet-wiping windowsills and other dusty surfaces, wet-mopping floors, and regularly washing children’s hands and toys. Peeling or chipping paint should not be sanded or scraped without using lead-safe practices. Click here for more information.
Childhood lead poisoning is preventable. Knowing where lead may be found, reducing potential exposure in the home, and making sure children receive recommended blood lead testing can help protect their health.
For more information about childhood lead poisoning prevention, home lead inspections and help addressing lead-based paint hazards, or other programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact Genesee County at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555, or Orleans County at 585-589-3278.
