Childhood Lead Primary Prevention Poisoning Program

The Rensselaer County Childhood Lead Primary Prevention Poisoning Program (CLPPPP) seeks to educate people regarding lead based paint hazards, including how lead affects the body, the dangers it can present to people, especially children and pregnant women, and how to use lead safe work practices (LSWP) to handle lead based paint hazards.

Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but is particularly dangerous to young children, babies and unborn children. It can cause a lower IQ, kidney damage, hearing loss, and growth and behavior problems. A common source of lead poisoning is from lead dust created by old, peeling lead paint found in homes and buildings built before 1978. Lead dust settles on toys, windowsills and floors. A child can be poisoned by lead through inhalation of lead dust or ingestion of lead. Lead can also be found in the soil around older homes.

This program is a primary prevention program and hopes to reduce the incidences of Elevated Blood Lead Levels through dissemination of education, knowledge, and childhood lead testing.

Free Risk Assessments

The CLPPPP provides free lead risk assessments to those residents living in the 12180, 12182, and 12144 zip codes due to the high incidences of Elevated Blood Lead Levels and due to the older housing stock located within these target areas. A certain amount of assessments can be performed outside the target areas if homes can be designated as high risk.

Free educational materials and supplies are provided along with remediation assistance to those households that qualify. The free direct incentives include a swifter sweeper with refills, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and cleaning spray. The free remediation assistance supplies to those who qualify include:

  • Duct tape
  • Floor enamel
  • Paint brushes
  • Painters tape
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Primer
  • Rollers
  • Safety supplies, etc.

HEPA vacuums will also be made available free of charge to parties who qualify and are conducting lead remediation work. Renovation, Repair and Painting trainings (RRP) are also provided for free through the program.

Please call Deanna Miller at 518-270-2640 in order to receive services or see if you qualify for a lead risk assessment.