"It's been more than six decades since New York City banned the use of lead paint in residential buildings-one of the first cities in the nation to do so, recognizing the health risks it posed, particularly for children. But the age of the city's housing stock means lead paint is still a presence: last year, 4,655 New York City children under the age of 6 tested positive for elevated lead levels in their blood, according to public data."
""Education around lead, and especially lead paint hazards, is something that still is really necessary," said Brandon Kielbasa, director of policy and organizing at the Cooper Square Committee. "People think of it as something that's been dealt with already, [but] there's still about 5,000 kids a year who are poisoned in New York City," he said. "And we're finding out more and more every day about how it's bad for adult health, and that's not really being tracked, honestly.""
New York City banned lead paint in residential buildings in 1960, but older housing stock continues to harbor lead paint hazards. Last year, 4,655 children under age six in New York City tested positive for elevated blood lead levels. Approximately 5,000 children are still poisoned each year in the city. Lead Poisoning Prevention Week runs Oct. 18–25 and officials and advocates promote education and mitigation measures. A new online mapping tool allows residents to enter addresses to see building construction years; properties built before 1960 are presumed to contain lead paint, and some later properties also pose risks.
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