Pregnant Women

It is very important to protect yourself and your baby from lead during pregnancy. To learn what health problems lead poisoning can cause and how to protect yourself, click here.

Parents

New York State requires doctors to test all children for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2. Only a blood test can tell how much lead is in a child’s body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determines acceptable blood lead levels in children.  Lead poisoning has no initial symptoms but can lead to decreased IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and low iron.

Children between the ages of 9 months and 6 years of age are at greatest risk of exposure to lead because they are apt to put fingers, hands, and toys in their mouths. Small children are eye level with window sills where lead paint could be. They are at risk for poisoning if they chew on these areas or inhale lead-tainted dust created when windows are opened and closed. Children whose families are in the process of remodeling homes built or painted prior to 1978, are also at increased risk for exposure to lead.  Learn more about how to protect your child from lead poisoning and how a healthy diet can protect your child. For more information, click here.

Lead Testing

To find out if your child needs a lead test, Yates residents can call 315-536-5160. Public Health offers lead screening tests for children birth through six years of age by appointment. Lead testing is done by a finger-stick and screening results are available to the parent in three minutes. Charges are determined by a sliding fee scale based on your family income and size or can be billed to some health insurance plans.

Helpful Resources

You can also see a list of lead recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.