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Westchester
County Department of Health is
encouraging parents and
guardians to take precautions to
prevent lead poisoning in their
children.
Lead is a toxic
metal that before 1978 was found in household paint. The primary source
of lead exposure in children is the lead based paint and lead
contaminated dust and soil found in and around deteriorated older homes
and buildings.
The Centers for Disease Control considers childhood lead poisoning to be
the most preventable environmental disease of young children. Families
can protect their children from lead exposure by:
a Having
children under the age of six tested for lead exposure. In Westchester
County, children are required to be tested at ages 1 and 2 years. This
is when they are at highest risk for lead poisoning. A simple blood test
can tell if your child has been exposed to lead. Check with your doctor
to be sure your child has been tested.
a
Keeping your home clean and dust free. This is especially important if
you live in an older home. Damp dust and mop to clean up any possible
lead dust. Clean up any paint chips from the floor. This type of
housekeeping will help lower your child’s exposure to lead dust and lead
paint.
The Westchester County Department of Health is here to assist you in
keeping your child from being exposed to lead. The staff of the
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program can assist in answering your
questions on lead exposure in children.
If you live in the 10701 zip code area of Yonkers, the staff of the
Westchester County Lead Primary Prevention Program and the Healthy
Neighborhoods Program can come to your home for a free inspection and
free safety supplies.
For further information contact the Westchester County Department of
Health at 813 - 5000.
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