Childhood lead poisoning is a serious disease creating irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system in children. The ingestion of lead contaminated dust, paint, and soil is the primary cause of today’s childhood lead poisoning. The most common sources of lead are:

For pamphlets and activity book about lead poison prevention please see the links below. (These are large PDF files, so it takes time to download)

If your Pregnant, get ahead of lead

If you have a baby, get ahead of lead

Get ahead of lead activity

Leo the Little Lion Learns How to Get Ahead of Lead

• Lead based painted surfaces
• In the dirt where paint chips fall
• In paint dust

Children are at greater risk of lead poisoning since toddlers chew on painted surfaces, babies crawl on floors where lead dust accumulates, and children play in soil close to the house where paint chips fall.

Lead can also be found in lead glazed or painted pottery, ammunition, fishing sinkers, stained glass solder, batteries, contaminated work clothes, and toys.
Children six years and younger should be screened regularly for lead. Children should be tested at their first birthday, again at two years of age, and when screening reveals an elevated risk.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, Ontario County Public Health can arrange lead testing for your children.

Call 585-396-4343 or 1-800-299-2995 for details.

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