MAYVILLE – As part of the continued effort to reduce the risk of childhood lead poisoning, the Public Health Division of the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services administers a Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention program (CLPPP) in the City of Jamestown.
Because of the large number of homes and apartment buildings built before 1978, Jamestown has been designated a high risk area for childhood lead poisoning since 2009. Many older homes have chipping or peeling paint and such homes where children 6 years or younger spend at least 6 hours per week can be inspected for lead for free. In addition, the program also includes a free smoke/Carbon Monoxide detector set and painting and cleaning supplies.
“Many landlords and homeowners have worked with us to make their dwellings lead safe through our CLPPP program,” stated Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Director of Health and Human Services. “However, some have not complied with lead safe practice after receiving the free training and supplies and we are teaming up with the City of Jamestown Department of Development and Housing Court to ensure that these rental properties are made lead safe for the children who live there,” Schuyler added.
A joint press conference will be held at the Jamestown City Hall lobby on Thursday, October 23rd at 4 p.m. to announce details of the enforcement plan.
“Lead poisoning can cause irrevocable harm but is entirely preventable,” emphasized Schuyler.
Nearly half a million children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The estimate is based on children with a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher using data from national surveys conducted in 2007-2008 and 2009-2010. Major sources of lead exposure to U.S. children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in deteriorating homes and rental properties built before 1978. Lead can cause serious health effects in children, such as learning disabilities, behavioral problems and lower IQ.
For more information or to sign up for a free lead inspection in Jamestown, contact the Chautauqua County CLPPP Program at 1-800-242-5865 (242-LUNK).
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