Introduction

• Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable illness.
• Lead is toxic especially to children.
• Lead can harm a child’s brain and cause learning difficulties and behavior problems.
• Children under six years of age are at most risk.
• Lead can also harm unborn babies.
• Lead can be found in paint, dust, soil, water, ceramic pottery, old toys and many other places.

Prevention

• Keep paint in good shape
• Work safely and clean up if you paint or repair
• Keep your home free of lead dust
• Wash your children’s hand often especially before eating
• Supervise your children’s activities
• Feed your children food which is high in calcium and iron and low in saturated fat

Blood Lead Testing

• It is New York State law that all children at their one and two year old medical checkups receive blood lead testing.
• Any blood lead level which is 10 ug/dl(micrograms per deciliter) or over is considered to be elevated
• Other children up to six years old should be tested if their medical provider thinks that they are at high risk
• All pregnant women should be screened by their health care provider for lead poisoning risks. If risk(s) are identified a blood lead level should be done.

Follow-up

• This program provides nursing and environmental follow-up for children who have a blood level greater than 20 ug/dl.
• A joint home visit is made by a Community Health Nurse and an Environmental Health Sanitarian.
• Nursing responsibilities include assessment of child and lead education
• The Sanitarian performs a home lead risk assessment which identifies lead hazards in the home. which analyzes the areas of possible contamination and monitors lead remediation if lead is found.
• Children who have a blood lead level between 10-19 ug/dl receive lead education and are monitored by a Community Health Nurse to assure proper follow-up.
• The Healthy Neighborhoods Program provides supplies and educational materials regarding childhood lead poisoning prevention.

For More Information:
www.epa.gov/lead
www.leadsafe.org
www.leadsafeby2010.org
www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lead.htm
www.env.duke.edu/cehi/health/lead.htm
www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/index.html
www.centerforhealthyhousing.org/index.htm
www.hud.gov/offices/lead/index.cfm