Frequently asked questions
What is the Lead-Free MV (LFMV) Coalition?
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)
What is lead?
• 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.
Where does lead poisoning occur?
• 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.
What is being done?
• 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.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in joining the Coaltion or supporting our projects, email info@leadfreemv.org to learn more.