October 25-31 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Although levels of childhood lead exposure have fallen significantly since 2005, there are still currently nine thousand public housing apartments in NYC known to contain lead paint, according to statements made last week by a federal monitor overseeing the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
As an EPA-certified lead assessment and remediation firm, Green Orchard Group is committed to helping NYC eliminate the threat of lead poisoning from our homes and apartments.
Facts about Lead Poisoning in NYC
Exposure to lead-based paint can result in lead poisoning when paint chips or dust containing lead are accidentally inhaled or swallowed.
This is especially problematic for households with young children under six because lead exposure can hinder growth and development, in addition to causing problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech. Lead exposure poses risks to adults as well, especially pregnant women.
Although lead paint was banned from NYC buildings in 1960, a significant number of older buildings still contain lead paint.
Since 2018, NYCHA has been aggressively working to identify and remediate lead paint problems as part of an ongoing effort to fully test for and remove lead hazards from 134,000 NYCHA apartments suspected of having lead, with the goal of eradicating childhood lead exposure by 2029. As of last week, 45,000 apartments have tested for lead using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers.
Lead Poisoning is Preventable
Lead poisoning can be prevented through proper testing and remediation of lead-based paint. This year, for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, here are three steps you can take to keep your home and your family safe from lead poisoning:
1. Get the Facts
Exposure to lead can pose serious health hazards, especially for pregnant women and younger children under the age of six. Adults and children can get lead into their bodies by accidentally inhaling lead dust or ingesting paint chips that contain lead. Besides paint, lead can also contaminate drinking water through lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures.
2. Get Your Home Tested
If your home or apartment was built before January 1, 1960, it can contain lead-based paint hazards and may require a lead-based paint inspection or lead risk assessment. Per NYC’s Local Law 31 of 2020, landlords must have XRF lead inspections performed by August 9, 2025, or within one year of a child under the age of 6 residing in the unit.
3. Get Your Child Tested
A simple blood test can detect lead, and is recommended for children at the age of 12-24 months who receive Medicaid and/or live in high-risk areas for lead exposure. It is also recommended for any children or family members of all ages who have been exposed to high levels of lead, or should otherwise be tested under state or local health screening plans.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice on blood lead testing.
EPA-Certified Lead Assessment & Lead Remediation
Green Orchard Group has over 25 years of experience as an EPA-certified lead assessment and remediation company. We work with landlords, property managers, and tenants to help identify and mitigate the risk of lead exposure and lead poisoning.
If you have concerns about potential lead hazards on your property, or need help correcting lead violations, contact Green Orchard Group at (212)219-8261 to speak with one of our lead specialists.