The Health Department offers a free home inspection and risk assessment for lead paint hazards to protect children from lead poisoning.
Residents can schedule a free home assessment by calling the Health Department at 914-813-5000 if they live in these ZIP codes: 10701 and 10705 in Yonkers; 10801 in New Rochelle; 10606 in White Plains and 10550 in Mount Vernon.
From the time children are 6 months old until they reach age 6, all children should be assessed annually by their medical provider and all children at age 1 and 2 should receive a blood test for lead. Pregnant women should also be assessed for lead exposure by their prenatal health care provider.
To minimize a child’s exposure to lead take the following steps:
• Clean up peeling paint and paint chips often, using a wet mop or sponge and an all-purpose degreasing cleaner. • Use a wet mop and a damp dusting cloth to avoid adding lead dust to the air that children will breathe. • Wash children’s hands frequently, particularly before meals and snacks and after playing outdoors. • Feed children a well-balanced diet high in calcium and iron, which can minimize their exposure to lead. Cheese, yogurt, beans and dark, leafy green vegetables are good sources of calcium and iron. • Don’t let children play with imported jewelry, toys, make-up or eat candy, which can contain lead or lead paint. • Avoid serving food in pottery if you are unsure about whether there could be lead in the glaze.
For more information, call the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000 or visit www.westchestergov.com/health.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New Rochelle and receive free news updates.