Local public health staff at the Chenango County Courthouse. Staff will be leaving this information at each residence in your town or village starting May 11, through the month of June. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY The Chenango County Department of Public Health will be visiting area towns to educate the community on the importance of Lead and Lead Poisoning.

We call this program Lead Walk and have been doing this event since 2012. Each year we walk in different towns and villages in Chenango County. This year we will be visiting 16 different locations. This year’s theme is: “Lead: Hidden Dangers in Your Home.” This theme is renovation projects. Many children are exposed to lead during home renovation projects. Educate yourself before renovations to prevent the spread of lead dust and chipping paint.

Look for blue doorknob hangers on your front door to access this educational information about lead poisoning. Additional information on the second side of the doorknob hangers about radon facts and dangers will also be distributed.

Staff will be leaving this information at each residence in your town or village starting May 11, through the month of June. Public Health staff will be tracking their step to reach the goal of a 200-mile mark as a team.

Lead is a poisonous metal that can be found in some Chenango County residents’ homes or yards. Lead poisoning is commonly seen in young children who have hand-to-mouth behavior, but it can affect anyone.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also a concern as it places their unborn or newborn child at risk when they are exposed to high lead levels.

Lead travels throughout the body in the bloodstream. When you are pregnant your baby can be exposed through your blood. Babies exposed to lead can be born early or small. Children exposed to lead may have poor brain development or cause learning disabilities.

In 1978, the United States banned the use of lead in the production of paint. Some older homes still have lead paint.

As the homes age and the paint deteriorates, it causes dust to be released into the air. This dust can land on surfaces throughout the home and is either inhaled or ingested in the mouth, causing lead poisoning. Children are required to be tested for Lead at Age 1 and 2.

Speak to your health care provider today about this important test.

If you would like to explore lead poisoning more, visit the following websites:

www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/

Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Firm Certification | US EPA: www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program and at www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

- From the Chenango County Health Department