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Childhood Lead Prevention Program
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Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
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What is Lead Poisoning?
Lead is a poison. Childhood lead poisoning is a major, serious BUT PREVENTABLE health problem. Young children crawl and play on the floor, and are always putting things in their mouths. These behaviors expose them to lead. Ingestion of lead is the main mode of exposure in children. Exposure to lead may cause negative and/or severe health effects that include delayed growth, reduced IQ, and learning and behavior problems for your child; and even during pregnancy to your unborn child.
Where can Lead be Found?
Lead is a poison and can be found in places and things we may not normally think as dangerous. The most common source of lead poisoning is found in chipping paint in houses built before 1978. But lead can be in other places, such as in contaminated dust, soil, and water. Lead can also be found in certain ceramic pots, toys, materials used in hobbies such as stained glass, certain imported cosmetics, and certain traditional folk medicines/remedies. Below you will find is a list of products that have been recalled because they contain lead.
Who is at risk?
Young children, especially from 6 months to 6 years, are most at risk for lead poisoning. However, Pregnant women and their unborn children are also at risk for lead poisoning. If you are pregnant, you should stay away from areas, foods and items that may contain lead. If you may have been exposed to lead, ask your doctor about getting tested.
In 2006 stats, 70 reported cases of elevated blood lead levels. For 8 of these cases, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services went to the homes and performed environmental assessments. In two of these homes, lead abatement, which is the removal of lead-based paint, was required.
What should you do to prevent lead poisoning?
Because lead poisoning is serious, New York State requires Health Care Providers to test all children for blood lead levels at ages 1 and 2, and up to age 6 based on risk assessment.
Talk to your doctor and have your child tested!
To reduce blood lead levels, there are other steps you can take the following steps:
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Lead paint is in old houses and sometimes in new toys.
Houses built before 1978 should be checked for Lead paint.
You should wash your hands immediatly if you come in contact with lead paint, soil and other sources.
For the latest in toy recalls, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
If you suspect your house or apartment has lead, contact a lead inspector or your landlord. |
- Contact the Suffolk County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to find out about home safety tools and recalls on items and toys, especially if your home was built before 1978.
- Use a damp mop or cloth to clean surfaces in your home, and wash your child’s hands, pacifiers, and toys often to remove any lead.
- Don’t use certain home remedies or cosmetics that contain lead. Examples of these include arzacon, greta, pay-loo-ah, kohl, and alkohl.
- If something you do exposes you to lead, for example certain hobbies or your work, take simple steps such as changing your clothes before entering your house, or showering before when you arrive home. Keep contaminated clothes, boots, etc. out of the reach of your children.
Services Provided by the CLPPP as recommended by the New York State Department of Health
Case management when a child’s blood lead levels are elevated as recommended by the New York State Department of Health. Community outreach and education about lead poisoning and prevention to health providers and various homes and organizations.
For more information, please contact us:
Suffolk County Childhood Lead Poisoning Program
631-853-8495
suffolklead@suffolkcountyny.gov
Other Resources
Long Island Regional Lead Poisoning Prevention Resource Center in Winthrop University Hospital
516-663-3492
New York State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
518-456-8170
New York City Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Product Recalls
August 14, 2007 - Mattel Voluntary Safety Recall Facts
August 2, 2007 - Fisher-Price Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning Hazard
May 23, 2007 - "Soldier Bear" Toy Set
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