County Health Department Raises Awareness About Preventing Lead Exposure in Children
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 19 through 25
During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, County Executive Ken Jenkins urges Westchester families, building owners and property managers to take proactive steps to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
Jenkins said: “Lead exposure is entirely preventable, yet it continues to place children at risk. When you rent, buy or renovate a home—especially one built before 1978—it’s vital to take precautions to prevent lead paint exposure. Peeling, chipping or cracked paint can create hazardous dust. In older homes, regularly wet-cleaning window sills and floors can reduce the danger, since older painted window sashes create dust that easily gets onto little hands—and lead dust has a sweet taste that can attract children.”
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause irreversible damage, including learning and behavioral problems, and permanent loss of cognitive ability.
New York State law requires all children to be tested for lead at ages one and two, with annual risk assessments through age six.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of testing: “There is no safe level of lead, and the health effects can be devastating. Parents should ask their child’s healthcare provider about testing. If you are pregnant or have young children and are concerned that your home may contain lead-based paint, call the Health Department at 914-813-5240. Our team can help identify lead hazards, reduce exposure, and, if needed, assist families in relocating to a safer environment.”
Amler added: “The most common source of lead poisoning is chipped or peeling paint. Less often, exposure can come from candy, toys, pottery, cosmetics or folk remedies. Protecting children requires collaboration between families, landlords and the Health Department.”
From September 2024 to September 2025, 128 children in Westchester were identified with new lead exposures, down from 184 the previous year. Currently, the County Health Department is monitoring 236 children. Nationally, about 500,000 children ages 1 to 5 have elevated blood lead levels, according to the CDC.
The Westchester County Health Department’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works with families and pregnant women to:
- Provide education on how to prevent lead exposure
- Notify families when a child’s blood lead level meets the state threshold for concern
- Offer free home inspections to identify and reduce risks
- Recommend follow-up care with healthcare providers
To learn more about keeping children safe from lead, watch the Health Department’s educational video in English or Spanish.
