Lead Poisoning Prevention
The Lead Poisoning Prevention program aims to enhance the safety of community residents who are at greatest risk. Most children have had some contact with lead in old paint, soil, plumbing, or another source. New York State requires family physicians to test each child with a blood lead test at 1 year of age, and again at 2 years. At elevated levels, lead can harm a child’s growth, behavior, and ability to learn. The blood lead test is utilized to screen for elevated levels of lead in your child’s blood. The lower the test result, the better.
The Lead Poisoning Prevention program can facilitate referrals for lead screening as well as provide Community & Provider education on the dangers of lead. Home visits are available for children with a lead level of 5 or greater, for family education on reducing risk.