Lead Poisoning Prevention

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Lead Poisoning is a danger for every baby and child. If you are pregnant, protect yourself and your baby from lead poisoning.

What Is Lead?

Lead is a heavy metal. It was used in many materials and products before the risk to young children was known. Certain products such as paints used in older houses before 1978, lead solder used in plumbing, and leaded gasoline were used before their harmful health effects were recognized. Although laws now prevent lead from being used in many products, there can still be lead hazards in and around many homes.

Children 6 years old and under are most at risk because their bodies are still developing. Lead can also harm babies before they are born. A young child's exposure to lead can cause learning and behavioral problems and possibly damage their brains, kidneys, and other organs.

Where Does Lead Come From?

The main way most young children are exposed to harmful levels of lead is through contact with lead contaminated paint and dust in older homes.

Other sources of lead:

Soil
Imported candies or foods
The workplace and hobbies
Imported food in cans. Lead-glazed ceramics, china, leaded crystal glassware
Metal Jewelry. Mini-blinds
Folk medicines, ayurvedics and cosmetics. Other common sources of lead (car batteries, radiators, some inks, etc.)
Beware of Lead! (Fact sheet)

What can you do to protect your child?

Be aware of ways you can be exposed to lead and prevent exposure.

If you live in a home built before 1978:

Wash away lead dust
Wash children’s hands or toys often – even if they don’t look dirty – to remove lead dust
Mop floors often and use damp cloths to clean windowsills
Ask your doctor about having a blood lead screening test

Additional online guides

For more information, contact the Albany County Department of Health at (518) 447-4620 or visit the NYS Department of Health Lead Information website.

Our Lead Poisoning Prevention Service provides the following services:

Testing for lead poisoning for uninsured children in Albany County, ages 6 months through 5 years.
Home inspections to find and correct lead problems.

Resources

For possible grant funding for homeowners and landlords with Documented Lead Based Paint Hazards. Go to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal at www.nysdhcr.gov.

For more information on lead testing your child or your home, please call (518) 447-4620.

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