Program Goals:

To educate parents and care givers on the importance of preventing exposure to lead, RISKS that cause lead poisoning and TESTING for children up to age 6. To provide Medical & Environmental FOLLOW-UP and case management for children identified with lead poisoning.

Be sure to also check the FAQ about lead.

Lead Risk Evaluation:

1. Does your child live in or regularly visit a house with peeling or chipped paint?
2. Does your child live in or regularly visit a house built prior to 1960?
3. Are renovations being done on your home that was built prior to 1960?
4. Does your child have a brother, sister, or playmate who is being treated for lead poisoning?
5. Does your child frequently come in contact with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead? (i.e.: welding, construction, battery recycling plant, pottery, stained glass?)
6. Does your child live near a heavily traveled major highway where soil and dust maybe contaminated with lead?
7. Does your child regularly eat or drink from dishes or use folk remedies from another country?

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above questions your child could be at risk for lead poisoning. Please contact your doctor to arrange for lead testing. If you have questions, please call Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845-292-5910 Extension 2213.

Lead Testing:

1. Which children should be tested?
   Public Health law mandates testing for possible lead poisoning at the ages of 1 & 2 years old. Also, children should be screened regularly until 6 years of age. Preschool and childcare programs will ask whether your child has been tested.

Medical and Environmental Follow-up:

Any child with a blood level (BLL) of 10 ug/dL or above is monitored by the Sullivan County Lead Prevention Program.

BLL readings of 10-19 ug/dL receive risk reduction and educational information in the mail and, if possible, also by telephone. A child with a BLL of 20 ug/dL or higher is considered lead poisoned and receives educational material as well as a home visit by a Registered Nurse. An environmental assessment of the home by the Monticello District Office of the New York State Department of Health is also done to pinpoint any hidden high lead areas that might be the source of the lead poisoning.

For questions regarding lead based paint and other environmental factors, contact NYSDOH at 845-794-2045. All other inquiries pertaining to lead poisoning and prevention, contact us at 845-292-0100, ext. 2730.