GO Health highlights Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, right, presents a proclamation in observance of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Accepting the proclamation are Paul Pettit, Public Health Director; and Nicole Pierce, Epidemiologist/Program Manager.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – October 19-25, 2025 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of lead poisoning and how to keep children safe.
To highlight the importance of preventing lead poisoning in our communities, Orleans County accepted a NLPPW proclamation on September 23, followed by Genesee County on October 22.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in dust, air, water and soil. Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing or breathing in lead dust from paint that is cracked or chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on things that have lead paint.
Exposure in children can cause learning, behavior, growth, hearing and speech problems that may last into adulthood. “Children under six are most at risk because their bodies are rapidly developing,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
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,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health. Fortunately, lead poisoning is preventable. “Contact your healthcare provider and make it a priority to get your child tested for lead,” stated Pettit.
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!
- Any exposure to lead hazards can be serious, especially for children. The only safe blood lead level is zero!
- The most common source of lead exposure in children is through eating dust particles or paint chips so small that they may not be visible to the naked eye.
- The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures.
- Other sources of lead could include metal toys, wooden toys or furniture painted with lead-based paint, metal jewelry, lead-glazed pottery or porcelain, some candies, spices, and even make-up.
- Get your Home Tested!
- Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. 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.
- Get your Child Tested!
- Children’s blood lead levels start to rise between 6 and 12 months old and are highest between 18 and 24 months old.
- The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is through a simple blood test.
- Most children with detectable levels of lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms.
- Pregnant women who have been around lead should also be tested.
The Genesee County Health Department has a Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to help address lead-based paint hazards and other health concerns in homes and apartments in the GLOW region.
For eligibility and program details, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext.5555 or Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov. To learn more about local lead data and trends, visit the Lead Poisoning Surveillance Dashboard on the GO Health website.
To learn more about GO Health programs and services, or to get assistance through our lead programs, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
- Orleans County: 585-589-3278
- Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext.5555
