Lead poisoning poses less of a threat for New York City children across the five boroughs, according to the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
The Health Department’s annual report released on September 30 revealed that the number of cases of children diagnosed with lead poisoning has dropped 12 percent since last year. But the National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from October 24- 30 would indicate that it still is an ongoing problem.
Francisco Martinez, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the New York Fire Department, is pleased with the results and feels that the numbers are promising.
“These numbers are impressive,” Martinez said. “The fact that we can count the reported cases and end up with less than 2,000 proves that we’re moving forward and in a couple of years this will not be a problem.”
In 2009, 512 children under 18, including 439 children between the ages of six months and six years, were newly identified with blood lead levels of 15 ug/dL or higher. State law requires doctors to test children at one and two years of age, because those with elevated blood lead levels may not show clinical symptoms.
Symptoms of lead poisoning include headache, stomach discomfort, and nausea and muscle weakness. In severe cases, lead poisoning can cause learning and behavioral problems. Young children between six months and two years are especially at risk because they don’t exhibit any of the symptoms.
Though 2009 appears to be a good year for the fight against lead poisoning, many are not satisfied with the findings. Lucia Perez from Astoria, a foster parent with two girls at home who have behavioral issues, feels that many landlords are not doing enough to protect their young residents.
“There are so many environmental factors affecting our kids intellectually and emotionally, we don’t need to add lead poisoning to the list,” Perez said. “In 2010, lead poisoning should not still be an issue. If they invested a little more to buy better quality paint this would not be a problem.”
Out of the 536 cases of child lead poisoning reported in 2008, 29 percent were in Queens, a borough with 26 percent of the NYC child population. West Queens had the highest rate with 63 cases per 1,000 children tested, followed by Jamaica with 29 cases. Bayside and Little Neck had no reports of cases.
Martinez urges parents to take an active role in preventing lead poisoning by following the guidelines provided by the Health Department, which include reporting peeling paint to your landlord. Landlords are required to fix peeling paint in homes where young children live.
Remind your doctor to test your child for lead poisoning at one and two years of age. Also ask your doctor about testing older children who may be at risk of lead exposure.
Wash floors, windowsills, hands, toys and pacifiers often. Don’t use imported foods, spices, medicines, pots, dishes, cosmetics or toys known to contain lead.
“Some crayons, markers and other imported toys may also contain lead,” Martinez said. “Parents have to be extra careful with the little ones.”
For more information on preventing and detecting childhood lead poisoning, call 3-1-1 or visit nyc.gov/health.
