ES file photo

CHENANGO – A drive around Central New York will reveal many pre-1978 homes, with some of the oldest housing stock in the United States. Lead was banned from paint and gasoline by legislation in this country in the late 1970’s and 1980’s, respectively, raising awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning toxicity. Years have passed and now the hidden dangers of lead may remain under layers of paint, soil, and water placing children at greatest risk.

Lead poisoning exposure in children may slow brain growth and development, decrease cognitive performance, contribute to learning and behavior problems, nervous system and kidney problems, anemia, stomach problems, decrease vision and more. Prevention is the key particularly in this population due to a child’s rapid growth and development during the first two years of life.