MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Oct. 17, 2025 — The Livingston County Department of Health is joining public health partners across the state and nation in recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 19-25. The weeklong public awareness campaign will inform residents of the dangers of lead poisoning and simple preventive measures they can take to stay safe from the harmful effects of lead.
Lead is a serious public health hazard, particularly for young children under the age of six and pregnant women. Exposure to even small amounts of lead in children can cause brain and nervous system damage, lower IQ, slowed growth and development, and problems with learning, behavior, hearing and speech.
State law requires lead testing for children at ages one and two, which is important as most children with lead poisoning have no obvious symptoms. Testing is the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead. The Health Department’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) offers low- or no-cost fingerstick lead testing for children ages six and under. Staff provide follow-up case management and referrals for remediation when elevated levels are detected. Residents can call (585) 243-7299 or fill out the Lead Testing page form here to be contacted by the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for testing.
“Lead poisoning is 100% preventable and lead is harmful at any level. Young children who crawl and often put their hands in their mouths are especially vulnerable,” said Rachel Merrick, CLPPP coordinator with the Livingston County Department of Health. “That kind of behavior can put them at risk if their home environment contains lead dust or deteriorating paint. We want all residents to be aware of the dangers of lead exposure and to know the County is here to help. From free testing and education to support for making homes safer, we’re proud to offer these resources for the safety of our residents.”
Homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint. To prevent exposure to lead and protect all family members from lead-based paint hazards in the home, health officials recommend regularly cleaning floors, window sills and other surfaces, and removing shoes before entering the house. They also encourage property owners of older homes to inspect surfaces and plumbing for potential lead. When conducting home repairs or renovations, always use certified lead-safe practices.
The Livingston County Department of Health partners with Genesee County, which administers a Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grant funds support childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts across the four-county GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties) region. Through this collaboration, residents can access transportation to lead testing sites, free home lead inspections, and assistance for low-income homeowners to remove lead-based paint hazards.
The Livingston County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works closely with community partners like Stony Brook Pediatrics and Tri County Family Medicine on lead education and outreach. The CLPPP recently supplied these local practices with lead testing kits and more than 500 copies of the “Happy, Healthy, Lead-Free Me!” children’s book featuring tips for parents to keep their families safe from lead. The Health Department presented both offices with Certificates of Excellence for their lead-testing efforts in Livingston County. They serve the largest population of the lead program’s target audience, children less than six, and consistently have the highest testing percentages for children ages one and two.
For more resources and information, visit the Livingston County Health Department Lead Poisoning Prevention webpage, or call 585-243-7299.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.