Family Health
Lead Poisoning Prevention in Erie County
Despite substantial progress, childhood lead poisoning remains a major problem both in New York State and in Erie County. Eight zip codes in Erie County have been designated by the NY State Department of Health as “Communities of Concern” where children are at high risk for lead poisoning. These communities are located in the City of Buffalo: Zip Codes 14201, 14207, 14208, 14209, 14211, 14212, 14213, and 14215. Since there is no medical treatment that permanently reverses the adverse health effects of lead exposure, focusing on primary prevention is critical to address and eliminate the problem.
Erie County Department of Health offers numerous programs in support of the elimination of lead poisoning. They include:
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Program
For more information about these programs or for general information on how to help prevent lead poisoning contact the Erie County Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division at 716-961-6800.
For more Information on lead poisoning visit the following web sites:
Are you doing renovations on your properties or hiring a contactor soon?
Under strict new EPA rules that took effect on April 22, 2010, certification is required for all home improvement activity in housing units built before 1978 and in ANY child occupied facility. The new rule called "Renovating, Repairing and Painting (RRP)" focuses on activity that disturbs more than 6 square feet of interior per room or 20 square feet of exterior lead paint.
Contractors who perform renovation, repairs, and painting jobs after 4/22/2010, will need to have certification on how to perform lead-safe work practices.
For more information on the new EPA "RRP" visit the EPA web site at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.html or call 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).