MAYVILLE, NY – In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed October 19–25, 2025, the Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) joined forces with the Healthy @ Home CHQ Coalition, City of Jamestown, and other key community partners to launch the week’s events earlier today at Jamestown City Hall.
Speakers at the kickoff event included Dr. Paul Robbins, local pediatrician; Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County Public Health Director; Joe Calimeri, representative from the Jamestown Mayor’s Office; and County Executive PJ Wendel.
October 20th Press Conference from left: Jamie Gustafson District 10 Legislator, Dr. Paul Robbins Pediatrician, County Executive Wendel, Anna Powell Health Department’s Lead Program Coordinator, Lacey Wilson Public Health Director, Joseph Calimeri of the City of Jamestown Mayor’s Office, and Ken Dahlgren Chautauqua County Board of Health Member.
“There is no safe level of lead in a child’s body,” said Dr. Paul Robbins. “Even low levels of lead — as little as 2 micrograms per deciliter — have been linked to reduced academic performance. This is a completely preventable issue, and it starts with awareness and action.”
Lead poisoning remains a critical health concern in Chautauqua County, particularly among young children. In the past three years, an average of 60 children per year in the county have been diagnosed with lead poisoning based on New York State's action level of 5 micrograms per deciliter. Another 10 to 20 children annually test just below that threshold — still at risk for long-term developmental harm.
“Eight out of ten lead-poisoned children in our county live in rental housing,” noted Public Health Director Lacey Wilson. “We need landlords, tenants, and the broader community to work together to prevent this exposure — especially in older homes where lead paint is still present.”
In Chautauqua County, approximately 80% of homes were built before 1978, the year when lead-based paint was banned for residential use. In Jamestown and Dunkirk, that number rises to nearly 90%.
“Jamestown’s older housing stock can pose significant challenges to children’s health and create economic burdens for families,” said Mayor Kimberly Ecklund. “The city is committed to supporting county and state-led initiatives, working to ensure homes are safe and families have the resources they need to protect their children and strengthen our community.”
According to research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the economic burden of lead poisoning in New York State is estimated at over $6 billion annually. This includes costs related to healthcare, reduced productivity, special education services, and premature mortality.
To help raise awareness and share resources, community partners will be Stepping Out for Lead Poisoning Prevention by visiting neighborhoods throughout the week, distributing door hangers that outline five simple steps families can take to prevent lead poisoning.
Five Steps to Protect Kids from Lead Poisoning:
- Test your home for lead – Call CCHD at 716-661-8243 for a free lead inspection. Homes built before 1978 are at highest risk.
- Wash hands often, especially before eating.
- Clean surfaces and toys regularly using wet wipes to minimize lead dust exposure.
- Feed children a healthy diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, which can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead.
- Get your child tested at ages 1 and 2 – A blood test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead.
“Lead exposure is silent, but its effects can be lifelong,” said County Executive PJ Wendel.“The good news is we can prevent this. Through awareness, education, and partnerships, we’re taking steps for a healthier future — one child, one home at a time.”
Although anyone can be affected by lead exposure, young children under six are especially vulnerable due to their developing brains and nervous systems. Lead poisoning can lead to learning disabilities, behavior issues, hearing loss, slowed growth, and other serious long-term consequences.
CCHD extends its sincere thanks to the many partners involved in the Take Steps for Lead Free Kids campaign. Organizations interested in participating can contact Anna Powell at 716-661-8068.
Resources:
- Answers to frequently asked questions about lead poisoning and prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/about/ - Symptoms of lead exposure: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/lead/signs-symptoms/index.html
- To learn more about the Chautauqua County Health Department’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program visit HealthyCHQ.com/Lead or call 716-661-8243.
About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health. The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness. For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.
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