Lead exposure is dangerous for children because it often presents no early symptoms while causing serious health problems. Even low levels of lead in a child’s blood can result in learning disabilities, developmental delays, and permanent brain damage. For this reason, New York State recommends that children receive lead testing at ages one and two. 

Despite these recommendations, data from Putnam County’s 2025 community health assessment, known as the CHA, shows a three-year decline in the rate of children being tested for lead. In fact, 58% of children born in 2019 did not receive both lead tests, well below the state goal of 70%. Once a child has been tested and identified with high lead levels, the health department’s environmental and nursing staff work with families to identify the source of lead poisoning and implement interventions to lower the levels. Families that are renting, the health department staff can even advocate for them with the landlord.

Angelica Capetillo, a mother whose son had an elevated blood lead level, talked about her experience working with a public health sanitarian at the health department Daniel Reis. She said, “The pediatrician’s office referred us to the health department and Danny called to see if we were comfortable with their team visiting and to check the house and items like pots, pans, and toys—things that could possibly have lead.”

When Danny arrived, he checked the walls, doorways, and windows, and found lead. “Then he reached out to the landlord to fix the issue,” said Ms. Capetillo. “And that happened quickly. The landlord took care of everything within two months. Afterwards, Danny came back for another assessment to make sure there were no traces of lead dust. He did a very thorough job."

Lead is a tasteless and odorless element found in the earth, so it is easy to miss. But it can contaminate the air, food, water, and even homes. Homes built before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint pose a greater risk for lead exposure and many homes in Putnam were built before this ban. When paint chips or peels, or is disturbed during household renovations during the spring or other times, children can easily ingest it. Children face a greater risk because their bodies are still developing and able to absorb more lead than adults. Lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system causing slowed growth, speech and hearing problems, learning and behavioral challenges, and reduced IQ. 

Angelica’s journey with the health department did not end with a clean home reassessment. As a result of her encounter with the environmental staff, she was referred to and evaluated by the Early Intervention program. Her son now receives needed services for his speech development. 

Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Capetillo encouraged other parents in Putnam County to stay vigilant. “In hindsight, I’d do routine lead testing every single time it is offered by the pediatrician,” she said. “And watch out for toys— dollar store toys, pots, pans, old China and vintage items.”

For more information about lead testing and prevention, speak with your child’s healthcare provider or contact the Putnam County Health Department.

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) through 2029, serves a community composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the County website at www.putnamcountyny.gov, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, X and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.

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Resources:

• Environmental Health Services—Putnam County Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention-Click on link in the menu under “Information for Residents.”   https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/health/environmental                                                             
• Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead—Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead                                                 
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention—New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) (in fourteen languages including English)    https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/#:~:text=New%20York%20State%20Public%20Health%20Law%20and%20Regulations%20require%20health,as%20part%20of%20routine%20care.