Westchester Reporter

Westchester County is focusing on raising awareness about lead exposure in children during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed from October 20 to 26. County Executive George Latimer emphasized the importance of protecting children from lead exposure at home and other frequently visited places.

Latimer stated, “I encourage all Westchester families to ask their child’s healthcare provider about lead risk assessment and testing for their children. Families should identify and safely remove sources of lead from their homes to prevent exposure, and can learn more about lead safety during home renovations on the County website. Paint that peels, chips or cracks in homes built before 1978 can be hazardous.”

The Health Department is using this week to inform families about the dangers of lead, which can negatively impact learning ability and cause irreversible cognitive damage. New York State law mandates blood lead tests for children aged one and two years old.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler remarked, “There is no safe level of lead and its health effects can be devastating. If you are concerned that your home may contain lead paint and you are pregnant or have young children, contact the Health Department at 914-813-5240 to arrange a free inspection.” The department assists families in identifying sources of lead exposure and offers solutions.

Dr. Amler also noted other potential sources of lead poisoning such as toys, glazed pottery, cosmetics, and home remedies. She stated, “Our staff works with families to identify the lead risks where the child lives and spends time so these risks can be removed, remediated or contained.”

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program informs families about prevention measures and alerts them if a child's blood lead level meets concerning thresholds. For the year ending September 30, 184 children were identified with elevated blood levels due to lead exposure.

The Lead Safe Westchester (LSW) Program provides free improvements for properties built before 1978 where low-income residents live. Priority is given to homes with young children or pregnant women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 500,000 American children between ages one and five have elevated levels of lead in their blood.