Photo: Just_Super / iStock / Getty Images
Onondaga County is intensifying its efforts to combat lead poisoning, a significant health concern, especially for children. As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the county is hosting various events to raise awareness and provide resources to families, landlords, and contractors.
Lead poisoning poses a severe risk to young children, potentially leading to learning disabilities and developmental delays. Richard McCarron, an Onondaga County legislator, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, "The higher the level of lead in the bloodstream, the higher the likelihood of developmental issues." To address this, New York mandates lead testing for children at ages one and two, with Onondaga County offering free testing for those without a primary care provider.
In Syracuse, approximately 10% of children have elevated blood lead levels, compared to about 5% countywide. The county is working with local schools to expand testing, with initiatives like the portable van testing at Onondaga Central School District, which tested 60% of students who had not been previously tested.
Events include public information sessions on preventing lead exposure, a refugee health fair, and a networking event for contractors. The county is also implementing the Lead Rental Registry law, requiring inspections of rental properties for lead hazards every three years.
Onondaga County collaborates with organizations like Home HeadQuarters and the Central New York Community Foundation to replace windows and doors in high-risk areas. The county also provides free lead hazard remediation for properties inspected by the Department of Children and Family Services.
These efforts aim to reduce lead exposure and protect the community, with a focus on education, prevention, and early detection.