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Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Contact

Danielle Brechter

NP
Director

Address:

Suffolk County Department of Health Services
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
Building 300
3500 Sunrise Highway, Suite 124
P.O. Box 9006
Great River, New York 11739-9006


(631) 854-0215
FAX 631-854-0235

CLPPP Banner

Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Banner

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPP)

The Mission of Suffolk County’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Suffolk County. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can cause problems with growth and development. These include delayed growth, reduced IQ, and learning and behavior problems. Unborn babies are also vulnerable to negative effects from lead exposure.

The CLPPP performs case investigations for children with elevated blood lead levels. This involves contacting the children’s families and conducting an interview to help determine potential sources of lead exposure, and providing education about sources of lead exposure, the risks of lead poisoning, and recommended treatment/ management. Case investigations are performed in conjunction with staff from the Bureau of Public Health Protection (PHP), who perform environmental lead testing in the home. If the source of lead is found to be the child’s residence, daycare center, etc., PHP issues notices to the property owners requiring lead abatement.

CLPPP staff also conduct developmental screening for children with elevated lead levels, offer referrals to early intervention as needed, and provide ongoing case management to ensure children receive appropriate medical follow-up and testing.

The CLPPP additionally performs outreach and education regarding lead poisoning to the public at health fairs and other community events. CLPPP provides education to providers to ensure that young children are routinely screened for lead as per current screening recommendations. The CLPPP collects data to help identify lead exposure patterns and high-risk populations, to assist with strategic planning for lead poisoning prevention at the local and state level.


Where can Lead be Found?

Lead can be found in places and things we may not normally think of as dangerous. The most common source of lead poisoning is found in chipping paint in houses built before 1978. But lead can be in other places, such as in contaminated dust, soil, and water. Lead can also be found in certain ceramic pots, toys, materials used in hobbies such as stained glass, certain imported cosmetics, and certain traditional folk medicines/remedies. Several lists of products recalled due to lead contamination are available under the "Additional Information" header, below.

Here is an example of source of lead poisoning identified during a home inspection:

Picture of Guajiro, a Peruvian Lead Amulet

An Amulet, also known as, Goajiro is an object that’s most important characteristic is the power ascribed to it to protect its owner from danger or harm. They are found in the literature of all cultures, religions and ethnicities and may in fact pose the danger themselves. These charms can find their way into baby’s mouths causing ingestion of small particles of lead leading to lead poisoning in addition to being a choking hazard.


Who is at risk?

Young children, especially from 6 months to 6 years, are most at risk for lead poisoning. However, Pregnant women and their unborn children are also at risk for lead poisoning. If you are pregnant, you should stay away from areas, foods and items that may contain lead. If you may have been exposed to lead, ask your doctor about getting tested.


What should you do to prevent lead poisoning?

  • Because lead poisoning is serious, New York State requires Health Care Providers to test all children for blood lead levels at ages 1 and 2, and up to age 6 based on risk assessment. Talk to your doctor and have your child tested!
  • Houses built before 1978 should be checked for Lead paint. If you suspect your house or apartment has lead, contact a lead inspector or your landlord.
  • Contact the Suffolk County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to find out about home safety tools and recalls on items and toys, especially if your home was built before 1978.
  • Use a damp mop or cloth to clean surfaces in your home, and wash your child’s hands, pacifiers, and toys often to remove any lead.
  • Don’t use certain home remedies or cosmetics that contain lead. Some examples of these include arzacon, greta, pay-loo-ah, kohl, and alkohl.
  • Do not let children play with recalled toys, toys manufactured before 1978, and vintage and antique products. Antique toys made before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, as may older toys made of tin, brass or pewter alloys. For the latest in toy recalls, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Antique dishware, ceramics, silverware, jewelry and furniture may contain lead. New toys and jewelry imported from some countries may also contain lead. You can test products for lead by submitting a sample to a certified laboratory. Only a certified laboratory can accurately test products for lead content.
  • If something you do exposes you to lead, for example certain hobbies or your work, take simple steps such as changing your clothes before entering your house, or showering before or when you arrive home. Keep contaminated clothes, boots, etc. out of reach of your children and wash work clothes separately.


Suffolk County Government

H. Lee Dennison Bldg

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Riverhead County Center

County Road 51
Riverhead, NY 11901