Lead poisoning may not always come with warning signs, but its effects on a child’s health and development can be long-lasting. This makes prevention and early testing very important.

So, why is exposure such a concern? Young children are particularly vulnerable because their brains and nervous systems are still developing. Lead poisoning can affect learning and behavior, slow growth and development, and cause hearing and speech problems.

The good news is that there are simple ways to reduce the risk of lead exposure at home. Lead can be found in peeling paint, damaged plaster, and household dust, especially in homes built before 1978 when lead paint was banned. Since young children are naturally curious and often put their hands and objects in their mouths, keeping these areas clean and out of reach is necessary. Regularly cleaning floors and surfaces and washing children’s hands after playtime and before meals can help reduce exposure to lead. Also, be on the lookout for food recalls and imported items such as ceremonial powders and spices.

Even with these precautions, blood lead testing remains the only way to identify exposure early. New York State requires children to be tested at ages 1 and 2. Pediatricians are required by the New York State Department of Health to assess all children ages 6 months to 6 years for risk of lead exposure during every well child visit. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak with their child’s pediatrician about testing.

In December 2025, the Putnam County Department of Health released its Community Health Assessment (CHA), which highlighted a decline in the percentage of children receiving two blood lead tests before their third birthday in Putnam County and across New York State. Only 58% of children born in 2019 in Putnam County received both tests, falling below the state’s goal of 70%. However, there is encouraging news. More recent data shows that 67.8% of children born in 2020 received both screenings by their third birthday, bringing the county closer to the state goal.

Putnam County’s improvements in screening rates are positive, but there is still room for progress.

Resources:
Putnam County Department of Health: Lead Poisoning Prevention 
https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/health/environmental

Putnam County Department of Health: Community Health Assessment
https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/health/community-health#Assessments

NY State Health Department: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention 
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/