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Copyright 2006 The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning
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Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but houses built before then probably still contain leaded paint. Children, particularly under the age of six, are most at risk from even small amounts of lead, and the damage can be permanent. But there are things you can do to protect your kids. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of lead poisoning, how to help prevent it, how to have your child screened, and how to make the healthiest choices for your family.
Screen your child for exposure to lead:
  • See your health care provider and ask that your child be tested for exposure to lead. New York State Law requires all children to be screened for exposure to lead at 12 months and 24 months of age.
  • If you live in high-risk housing, talk with your health care provider about getting your child screened for lead exposure every 6 months.
  • While the 1991 Centers for Disease Control Guidelines list blood lead levels (BLL) of 10 micrograms/dL (micrograms per deciliter—a deciliter equals about one half cup) as “a level of concern”, there is increasing evidence that children's lead levels should be less than 5 micrograms/dL—and the lower the better.
     
  • Know Your Child's BLL Number: If you do not know your child's blood lead level (BLL) number, download the Documentation of Lead Screening Form (pdf) and either contact your child’s health-care provider to ask them to provide that information or take the form with you to your child's next appointment and get the necessary information.