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Copyright 2006 The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning
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Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but houses built before then probably contain leaded paint. Children, particularly under the age of six, are most at risk from even small amounts of lead, and the damage can be permanent. But there are things you can do to protect your children. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of lead poisoning, how to help prevent it, and testing children at 12 mos. and again at 24 mos. for exposure to lead in accordance with New York State law.
What can child-care providers do to help?
  • Keep an up-to-date list of the 12-month and 24-month lead levels of the children in your care. Remind parents or guardians when it is time to get a second blood lead level test done.
  • If you do not have the test results for a child, or if lead testing was never done on a child, you can assist the parent or guardian with this process. Download the Documentation of Lead Testing Form, give it to the parent or guardian, and request that they contact the child’s health-care provider to obtain the information, and then return the results to you within two weeks.
  • Call the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning to request FREE copies of our "Lead Awareness for Parents" DVD or VHS tape.  We would be happy to provide copies for all of your clients.  You can also order a display stand full of our General Information Brochures in English and Spanish.  These materials are FREE and yours for the asking.  We are also available to make educational presentations to parents.  Call (585) 256-2267 x5 today.
  • Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Make sure anyone working at your child care facility is EPA certified in Lead Safe Work Practices.


Keep any areas where young children are cared for free of lead dust.
  • Make sure the children wash their hands frequently.
  • Make children and adults take off their shoes when entering the day care. Lead dust can be tracked in on the bottoms of your shoes.
  • Wet mop any surfaces that young children come into contact with at least once a week.


Diet is an important part of keeping children safe from lead poisoning.
  • Help keep children healthy by making sure they eat foods high in calcium (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.), iron (green leafy vegetables, eggs, red meats, and beans), and low-fat foods, since a healthy diet helps the body absorb less lead.