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County Offers Free Home Inspection For Lead In Parts Of Yonkers

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Sunday, Oct. 19 through Saturday, Oct. 25, the Westchester County Department of Health encourages parents and caregivers to eliminate hazards at home that can cause lead poisoning in children and to ensure their young children are tested for lead exposure. 

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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.  

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