To reduce the prevalence of high lead levels in children between the ages of birth to 6 years old.

The Community Health Services Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the Lead Program of the Environmental Health Division of the Cayuga County Department of Health work together in efforts to reduce lead poisoning.
 

The Cayuga County Department of Health will provide lead testing for those who are underinsured, or have no insurance, as well as provide case management  for those children who have been identified with lead poisoning.
 

Lead sources can be found in many types of substances, common and uncommon.  The most common sources are as follows:

• Lead Paint - Lead paint is most often found in homes built prior to 1978
• Soil - by lead paint or leaded gasoline
• Water - by lead from old plumbing
• Air - by lead dust or lead-processing plants
• Food - by leaded containers
• Pottery if poorly glazed
• Imported cans with lead seams
• Herbal remedies
• Cosmetics
• Costume jewelry/toys
• Fishing weights
• Colored food wrappers
• Magazines or newsprint
• Your job or your favorites hobbies

There are many steps we can take to prevent lead poisoning for our kids, and for ourselves.  See the following steps for lead poison prevention:

• Keep children away from peeling paint and broken plaster
• Prior to home renovation, determine if lead paint exists in the home or contact the Cayuga County Department of Health for a mailing of proper renovation procedures
• Take caution when purchasing costume jewelry for leisure play or specific holiday events
• Damp floor and wipe surfaces twice a week to reduce lead dust
• Wash hands frequently
• Wash any child toys, especially teething toys
• Use cold tap water, rather than hot, for infant formula or cooking.  Allow tap water to run for  a minute before using.  This helps in flushing out any water that may have picked up lead from pipes
• Store any foods from a can in a glass or plastic container (some cans are made from lead solder)
• Use lead free dishes.  Some dishes may have glazes that contain lead.  Any chipped or cracked dishes no longer be used.

If you have any questions regarding Lead Poisoning you may contact Cayuga County Community Health Services (315) 253-1560, the Environmental Health Division at (315) 253-1405, or you may email your questions to cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us. 
 

• US Environmental Protection Agency - Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil
• Cayuga County Environmental Health Lead Program
• Locate Accredited Renovation Training Programs
  (US Environmental Protection Agency)