• Lead is a natural element and neurotoxin - a poison that destroys nerve tissue - and can cause permanent brain damage and/or developmental delays. • There’s no safe level of exposure to lead. • Lead exposure can have lifelong consequences that cost society billions nationwide. • Lead was common in household products, especially paint until 1978.

• Most cases of childhood lead poisoing in the Mohawk Valley have been identified in Cornhill and West Utica, but lead poisoning risks exist in most housing built before 1978. • The age of the Mohawk Valley housing stock and inadequate maintenance are the main reasons.

• Lead is a problem decades in the making and won’t go away overnight. • Many Colation partners have been providing resources to the community in order to address the problem. See the list of Partners and Resources. • In 2016, a coalition of these partner organizations meets regularly to find more effective ways to work together for greater impact.

The LFMV Coalition is a group of diverse organizations and constituencies who work together to reach the common goal of reducing childhood lead poisoning by using three approaches: • Prevent it (Environmental) • Treat it (Medical) • Address it (Policy)

If you are interested in joining the Coaltion or supporting our projects, email info@leadfreemv.org to learn more.

• Health Department - Oneida County 315-798-5064 ocgov.net/oneida/envhealth/childlead • Public Health - Herkimer County 315-867-1176 herkimercounty.org/content/Departments/View/13