Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead poisoning can harm a child's growth, behavior, learning, and overall health. Children younger than 6 years old are most at risk because their bodies absorb lead more easily and their brains are still developing. The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable, and early identification of lead hazards can help protect children and families.

Resources on lead poisoning prevention, testing requirements, and protecting your family can be found through the New York State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program or by calling the Dutchess County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (845) 486-3404.

Lead exposure most commonly occurs in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was commonly used. As paint ages, it can peel, chip, crack, or create dust that children may swallow when they touch contaminated surfaces and put their hands or toys in their mouths.

Lead can also be found in drinking water, soil, imported spices, cosmetics, medicines, pottery, and certain toys and consumer products.

Because children exposed to lead often do not appear sick, it is important to understand potential sources of exposure and take steps to reduce risk.

A blood lead test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead.

New York State requires children to be tested for lead at ages 1 and 2 years. Additional testing may be recommended for older children who have not previously been tested or who are at increased risk of exposure.

Pregnant individuals and those planning to become pregnant should speak with their healthcare provider about lead exposure concerns and whether testing is appropriate.

Primary Prevention

The Dutchess County Department of Health's Primary Prevention Program works to identify lead hazards before a child becomes lead poisoned.

Property owners and tenants from qualifying homes in the City of Poughkeepsie may request a free lead risk assessment. During an assessment, our EPA-certified certified lead risk assessors inspect painted surfaces for lead-based paint hazards and work with property owners to address identified hazards and create a safer home environment.

Residents who request an inspection may also qualify for a free cleaning kit.

Contact us at leadsafehomes@dutchessny.gov or (845) 486-3404 to schedule a free lead risk assessment.

Responding to elevated blood lead levels:

When a child has a confirmed blood lead level of 5 mcg/dL or greater, New York State law requires the Department of Health to conduct an environmental lead investigation of the child's home and other locations where they spend significant time.

We work with property owners to ensure identified lead hazards are corrected and dwellings are made safe. Federal law also requires landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 rental properties. Families can learn more about blood lead test results by reviewing What Your Child's Lead Test Means.

Renovation, repair, and maintenance activities in homes built before 1978 can disturb lead-based paint and create hazardous dust.

Contractors and homeowners:

 Contractors performing this work must follow EPA lead-safe practices and, in many cases, be certified through the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program. Additional requirements apply to childcare facilities and pre-schools.

The Dutchess County Department of Health, in partnership with CertRebel, offers free EPA Lead Renovator Certification classes to help contractors and DIYers meet these requirements.

Landlords:            

Owners of qualifying rental properties in the City of Poughkeepsie may be required to comply with the Rental Registry Program, which helps ensure housing is lead safe. Financial assistance for lead hazard remediation may be available through Hudson River Housing.

For more information about lead-safe renovation, certification, or rental registry requirements, contact leadsafehomes@dutchessny.gov or (845) 486-3404.