It is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and the New York City Health Department is marking the occasion by recognizing historic lows for New York City children under six with elevated blood lead levels thanks to decades-long efforts to reduce exposure, according to a recent report. Lead poisoning is preventable, and the Health Department is urging families, property owners, workers, and health care providers to continue taking steps to identify and reduce potential sources of lead exposure.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about where lead may be found and the steps New Yorkers can take to protect themselves and their families. Throughout the week, the NYC Health Department, Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) and NYC Department of Education (DOE) will host events throughout the city to provide information and educational resources to New Yorkers on preventing lead exposure, testing children for lead, safely addressing lead hazards, and understanding the responsibilities of property owners.
“Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and free from lead exposure,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “We have made tremendous progress in New York City, but our work is not finished. This week serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to get their children tested, for property owners to address lead hazards, and for all New Yorkers to know where lead can be found and how to protect themselves and their families.”
“Every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe, healthy home, and that means a home free from lead,” said HPD Commissioner Dina Levy. “Lead poisoning is preventable, and over the past two decades New York City has made tremendous progress in reducing childhood lead exposure. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is a chance to redouble our efforts, and to remember that protecting New York City’s youngest residents from lead-based paint exposure is a moral imperative.”
“Protecting the health and well-being of NYCHA residents is fundamental to our mission, and we are making significant progress in identifying and addressing lead-based paint hazards across our developments,” said NYCHA Executive Vice President of Property Management Operations Daniel Greene. “With more than 138,700 apartments tested and over 21,700 apartments abated to date, our work reflects an ongoing commitment to creating safer, healthier homes for NYCHA residents, especially young children. We will continue building on this progress through sustained action, accountability, and collaboration with our city and federal partners to eliminate lead hazards and protect the families who call NYCHA home.”
New York City has made significant progress in reducing childhood lead exposure. According to the recently published 2026 Progress in Preventing Elevated Blood Lead Levels in New York City Annual Report, (PDF) the number of New York City children with elevated blood lead levels is at a historic low.
In 2025, the number of children under six years of age with blood lead levels of 3.5 mcg/dL or greater fell to its lowest point on record, dropping 94% since 2005 and 16% since 2024. Despite this progress, children are still exposed to lead especially in high-poverty neighborhoods where the rate of elevated blood lead levels is nearly twice the rate in the wealthiest neighborhoods. However, children living in public housing have a lower rate of lead exposure than children citywide, likely because much of the city’s private housing is older. Prevention and early testing remain important.
Lead is a harmful metal that can cause serious health problems in people of all ages and is especially dangerous for young children and pregnant people. In New York City, lead-based paint and the dust it creates are still the most common sources of lead exposure among children.
Although lead paint was banned for residential use in New York City in 1960, it may still be present in older buildings. Adults can also be exposed to lead through their jobs, particularly in construction, as well as through hobbies using materials containing lead. Both children and adults can be exposed through certain consumer products, such as traditional remedies, imported spices, eye cosmetics like kohl and surma, and some imported ceramics.
Protecting Children from Lead Exposure
Children younger than six are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead. Even when children with lead exposure appear healthy, lead can affect their learning, behavior, and development. A blood lead test is the only way to determine whether a child has lead in their body.
New York State requires children to be tested for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2 and assessed for lead exposure risk through age 6. Parents and caregivers should ask their health care provider about testing older children if they believe their child may have been exposed to lead. Each year, the Health Department receives blood lead test results for over 200,000 children younger than 6 years old and provides services for children based on their blood lead level.
Know Your Risk and Get Tested
New Yorkers should talk with their health care provider if they believe they or their children may have been exposed to lead. Pregnant people should be assessed for lead exposure risk at their first prenatal visit. In 2025, there was a 16% decline in the number of people who could become pregnant having elevated blood lead levels compared to 2024. Adults who work in construction or other jobs that may involve lead should also speak with their health care provider about whether blood lead testing is appropriate. People who may have been exposed to lead through consumer products, such as traditional remedies or imported spices and ceramics, should also consult their health care provider.
“No child should have to face the lifelong consequences of a disease that is entirely preventable,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Health. “New York City’s historic progress in reducing elevated blood lead levels demonstrates what sustained public health efforts can accomplish, but we must continue to build on this progress. Parents, property owners, and health care providers all play a critical role in identifying lead hazards, ensuring children are tested, and preventing exposure before it causes lasting harm. It is heartening to see the city reach historic lows in childhood lead exposure, and I commend the New York City Department of Health for its continued efforts to raise awareness and protect our youngest New Yorkers. Every child deserves a safe, healthy home and the opportunity to grow up free from preventable health risks.”
“I am incredibly proud that New York City has reached historic lows in elevated blood lead levels among children under six, a testament to decades of progress. I have supported that progress by passing bills such as my landmark Dakota’s Law and my Lead Pipe Right to Know Act, to protect children and ensure every family has a safe and healthy environment in which to grow and thrive,” said New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani and his team alongside advocates to protect future generations from lead poisoning by eliminating lead hazards in our homes, water systems, and communities.”
For information about preventing lead exposure, testing, tenant and property owner responsibilities, and lead hazards in consumer products, visit nyc.gov/lead for resources or call 311.
