WEBSITES AND RESOURCES Lead Poisoning Prevention

LEAD  

Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is swallowed or inhaled into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. Lead may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and in extreme cases, death.  

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People can be exposed to lead through a variety of sources, including contaminated soil, food or water; imported toys, pottery or cosmetics; and paint used before 1978. Lower the chances of lead exposure by taking steps like wet cleaning and maintaining your home.

Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home 

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At low levels, symptoms of poisoning are often hard to detect, but may include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and abdominal discomfort. Long-term lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties and behavioral issues, with permanent lifelong consequences.  

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In recent years, Oneida County has had one of the highest levels of childhood lead poisoning in New York State. Despite a state law requiring early childhood testing for lead exposure, a third of pre-school children in Herkimer and Oneida Counties have not had the required blood test. Although lead poisoning is preventable, lead continues to be a major cause of poisoning among children under age 6. Adults can also get lead poisoning, especially through contact with lead in certain jobs or hobbies or when disturbing lead paint through renovation or remodeling activities. Lead can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.  

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Sources of Lead in the Environment - https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/sources.htm The most common source of lead in the home is paint dust from friction surfaces like windows, doors, and molding.  Lead can also be found in furniture, miniblinds, toys, ammunition, water and soil around the home, as well as foreign products like makeup, pottery, spices & food. 

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GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) - http://ocgov.net/oneida/envhealth/childlead or (315) 798-5064

General information on lead testing recommendations, resources, and prevention for residents of Oneida County

 

Herkimer County Public Health - http://herkimercounty.org/content/Departments/View/13 or (315) 867-1176

Referrals for lead screening, home visits for lead poisoned children, and education materials are available for residents of Herkimer County.

 

Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention (CLPPPP+) https://ocgov.net/departments/health/programs-and-services/environmental-health/lead/ or (315) 798-5064 CLPPPP also offers community presentations and training on lead-related issues to any organization or group in Oneida County

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NYS Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention - https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/

The Department of Health has strong programs, plans and laws working to prevent childhood lead poisoning statewide.

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Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is committed to the goals of eliminating high blood lead levels and differences in average risk based on race and social class as public health concerns.
 

National Center for Healthy Housing - http://www.nchh.org/Home.aspx NCHH alerts families and those who serve them to hazards in the home environment, including lead poisoning.

 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - https://www.epa.gov/lead EPA protects human health and the environment, enforce federal regulations, and help companies understand compliance requirements.

 

U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) - https://www.hud.gov/healthyhomes The HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) provides funds to state and local governments to develop cost-effective ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/additional_resources.htm

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HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN & PREGNANT WOMEN

Children Age 1 & 2 
NYS Law requires that ALL children are tested for lead at age 1 and at age 2. A child’s pediatrician or medical provider can order the lead test.  The local Health Department can also provide a referral for a lead test. 
Children under Age 6  
In addition to the required tests, screening of children six months to six years old should be done, if a child is at risk. 

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Pregnant Women - https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2593/

If a woman has lead in their body, it can be passed to the baby during pregnancy. Even a small amount of lead in a baby can cause problems with growth, behavior, and your child's ability to learn.

 

Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention (CLPPPP) - https://ocgov.net/departments/health/programs-and-services/environmental-health/lead/ or (315) 798-5064 CLPPPP also offers community presentations and training on lead-related issues to any organization or group in Oneida County. 

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Lead Poisoned Children with a level above 5ug/dl - - https://ocgov.net/departments/health/programs-and services/environmental-health/lead/ or (315) 798-5064 OCHD Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LPPP) looks inside  and outside the home for possible sources of lead and can test the paint, dust, water and soil around the home. 

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LANDLORDS & TENANTS

 

Information for Landlords/Property Managers - https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosures-about-potential lead-hazards#propertym

Landlords must give prospective tenants of buildings built before 1978:

• An EPA-approved information pamphlet ‘Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home’ on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards. https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home

• Disclose any known information concerning lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards pertaining to the building.

• A lead disclosure attachment to the lease, or language inserted in the lease, that includes a "Lead Warning Statement" is required by law. https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure

• A real estate disclosure form is required for realtors to use in sales transactions when selling or transferring residential real property https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure

• Confirm that you have complied with all notification requirements

• Ensure that U.S. EPA rules are followed by a contractor certified in lead-safe work practices

 

HOME & PROPERTY RENOVATIONS

 

Repair Renovate Paint (RRP) Certification / Classes - Mohawk Valley Community College Classes

https://www.mvcc.edu/cced/index.php

 

Renovation Contractors & Risk Assessors - https://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/pub/index.cfm?do=main.firmSearch

Find local lead renovation, repair and painting (RRP) firms certified by EPA

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Certified Lead Abatement Firms - https://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/pub/index.cfm?do=main.firmSearchAbatement

Find local lead abatement firms certified by EPA\

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Loaner HEPA Vacs - https://unhs.org/hepa-loan-program/

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EARLY EDUCATION & DAYCARE PROVIDERS

 

Early Childhood Education and Training Program - https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/elearn_catalog.shtm

Free online course for daycare providers - Keeping Children Safe: Prevention of Lead Poisoning and Dangers to Children

 

Lead Poisoning Prevention Curriculum for Preschool Children and their Families -https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/leadc.htm

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Curriculum for Preschool Children and Their Families was funded by the Erie County Department of Health through a New York State Department of Health-Public Health Campaign grant.

 

PRODUCT RECALLS

 

NYSDOH  - Learn about products that are unsafe https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/children/recalls.htm

 

Consumer Safety Reports -Report an unsafe product http://www.saferproducts.gov/

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Consumer Product Safety Commission - https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

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Contact the Lead-Free MV coalition: email info@leadfreemv.org

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

 

NYS Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention - Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs, Partners, and Advisory Council (ny.gov)

The Department of Health has strong programs, plans and laws working to prevent childhood lead poisoning statewide.

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Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/

CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is committed to the goals of eliminating high blood lead levels and differences in average risk based on race and social class as public health concerns.

 

National Center for Healthy Housing - http://www.nchh.org/Home.aspx

NCHH alerts families and those who serve them to hazards in the home environment, including lead poisoning

 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - https://www.epa.gov/lead

EPA protects human health and the environment, enforce federal regulations, and help companies understand compliance requirements.

                                                                                                                                                                               

U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) - https://www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

The HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) provides funds to state and local governments to develop cost-effective ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards.