October 16, 2006

LEAD POISONING

One of the most preventable childhood health problems in New York State

In recognition of the 8th Annual National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 22 - 28), the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that lead poisoning is one of the most preventable childhood health problems in New York State.

Even small amounts of lead can harm a child's developing nervous system and may result in behavior problems, learning disorders, poor school performance, lower I.Q., hearing loss, anemia, kidney damage or growth retardation.

Breathing in lead dust or swallowing lead-coated particles causes lead poisoning. Small amounts of lead are invisible and odorless. Most lead-poisoned children have no symptoms. Those with severe lead poisoning may have stomach cramps and may develop convulsions. The most common way children are poisoned from lead is from exposure to lead paint, which is commonly found in homes built before 1978. Even if your home has been repainted, repeated rubbing of one painted surface against another (such as opening and closing windows) could expose old, lead-based paint in your homes. The Department of Health reminds residents that worn, cracked or peeling lead-based paint may cause lead poisoning, especially in children.

In addition, children may be poisoned by objects from other countries that contain lead; including some toys, furniture, cosmetics, medicines, foods, spices, herbal remedies, clay pots and dishes.

By law, children must be tested for lead exposure at ages one and two and assessed annually until age six by their health care providers for exposure to lead. Children entering day care or nursery school must show proof of having had a blood lead test. The blood test can be obtained from the child's health care provider.

In 2005, 28,186 lead tests were obtained from Nassau County children, and 0.8% of these were elevated. Two children had very severe lead poisoning and needed to be hospitalized for special treatment.

The Health Department provides case management services to parents of all children with elevated blood levels and inspects their homes to identify the cause of the lead poisoning. The department also provides educational, preventive and nutritional counseling about childhood lead poisoning, supervises safe removal and abatement of lead hazards and takes enforcement action, when necessary, to ensure hazards are abated.

For information and literature on lead testing and on reducing lead hazards from soil, dust, water, food and other sources, telephone the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-2310.