Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can cause negative health effects. Lead can be harmful even if someone does not feel sick. Lead exposure can:

  • For children: affect brain function (e.g., learning difficulties, attention problems, behavioral changes, and seizures) and the nervous system
  • For adults: cause damage to nervous system, memory loss, kidney damage, high blood pressure, heart issues, and stroke
  • For pregnant women: increase chances of having a miscarriage and harm your baby's development before birth

People are exposed to lead by:

  • Eating lead paint chips
  • Ingesting contaminated food or water
  • Breathing in lead dust

Sources of lead exposure include:

  • Chipping or peeling paint in homes or buildings built before 1978
  • Water from lead pipes
  • Soil near airports, highways, or factories
  • Some imported candies and traditional medicines
  • Some contaminated spices, such as cinnamon, turmeric, and chili powder
  • Some imported toys and jewelry
  • Certain jobs and hobbies

Childhood Lead Poisoning

There are no safe blood lead levels (BLL) in children. Children younger than 6 years are more likely to be exposed due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Many children ingest lead dust by putting objects such as toys and dirt in their mouths.

In Madison County

  • 66% of homes were built before 1979
  • In 2023, 52.6% of 1 year olds and 44.6% of 2 year olds were tested for lead
    • Rates have remained relatively stable for 1 year olds but have declined from 50.3% for 2 year olds in 2020.

Lead

Prevention

Children in New York State must be tested for lead at age 1 and age 2 with a blood lead test. Children over the age of 2 with identified risks should also be tested. All children under 6 years of age should be screened using the “Does your child need a lead test?” questionnaire.

Feed your child foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C to help protect from the harmful effects of lead.

Adults can be exposed to lead through jobs and hobbies. For example, working in construction, auto repair, renovation, and metal work increases the possibility of bringing lead back into your home. Hobbies such as artwork using lead-based paint and target shooting also increase exposure to lead.

Strategies to reduce bringing lead into your home:

  • Shower and change work and hobby clothes before entering your vehicle or coming home
  • Wash your work and hobby clothes separately from other clothes
  • Keep all work and hobby materials away from living areas

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Updated November 17, 2025