During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, County Executive Ken Jenkins urges Westchester families, building owners, and property managers to reduce children’s exposure to lead and prevent its harmful health effects.

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—take precautions to prevent lead paint exposure. Peeling, chipping or cracked paint can create hazardous lead 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. When children ingest even very low levels of lead, it can negatively impact their intellect, concentration, academic achievement, and behavior. All children should have their blood lead level tested at age one and again at age two. At every well visit from six months through six years, a healthcare provider should assess children for their risk of high lead exposure.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of testing: “There is no safe level of lead, and its 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: “To prevent lead poisoning, keep children away from peeling paint and plaster and wash their hands after they play, before they eat, and before bed. Sometimes, exposure can come from candy, toys, pottery, cosmetics, or folk remedies. Protecting children requires collaboration between families, landlords, and the Health Department.”

For the year ending September 30, 131 children in Westchester were identified with new lead exposures, up from 128 the previous year. The County Health Department is now monitoring 242 children. Nationally, about 500,000 children ages 1 to 5 have elevated blood lead levels, according to the CDC.

Westchester is one of 19 counties statewide that requires new protection for tenants through the New York State Rental Registry Law. The law aims to prevent lead poisoning by identifying and remediating lead paint hazards in some of the state’s oldest housing stock.