Lead poisoning is a serious environmental health hazard facing children in the United States. Recent research shows there is no safe blood lead level (BLL). Children born outside the U.S. are overrepresented among children with Environmental Intervention Blood Lead Levels (EIBLLs) in NYC. While peeling lead paint in older homes is the most common source of exposure for NYC children born in the United States, lead containing imported products are often identified as a exposure source among foreign born children. Imported products containing lead include: pottery, health remedies/herbal medicine products, cosmetics, food, spices, jewelry and novelty items.
Parents can help reduce lead exposure by:
* Reporting peeling paint to their landlord. If the landlord doesn't fix it, call 311.
* Testing their children at ages 1 and 2. Ask the doctor about testing older children.
* Washing floors, window sills, hands, toys, and pacifiers often.
