Welcome to LeadSAFE Erie County, the Erie County Department of Health’s (ECDOH) program to prevent lead poisoning. You will find information here about lead poisoning, trainings, programs, and services available to you from the ECDOH and our community partners.
Information and resources to help parents protect their children from lead poisoning — what it is, how it happens, and what you can do to keep your family safe.
Information and resources for landlords, property managers and contractors to help prevent lead poisoning.
What is Lead?
- Lead is a poison even in very small amounts.
- Lead is a metal that is found in the earth, and it is used in industry to make surface coatings and glazes, car batteries, and other things.
- Lead can cause learning and behavior problems. At very high levels it can cause seizures, coma and even death. Young children are especially at risk.
- Until 1978, lead was used in many house paints. Even today, chipping and peeling lead paint in homes can lead to unsafe levels of lead in house dust. Keep your home clean and make sure there is no peeling paint on any surfaces.
- There is NO treatment to permanently reverse the harmful effects of lead in children, so we must prevent it.
Lead Poisoning in Erie County
Every year hundreds of children under the age of 6 years old are diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels in Erie County. Thousands more are exposed to lead hazards in their homes every day. Conditions that can cause lead poisoning can be found anywhere in Erie County, however they are especially found in neighborhoods that have a high amount of older housing.
To have your tap water tested for lead, contact the Erie County Public Health Lab at (716) 898-6100.
Eleven zip codes in Erie County have been designated by the New York State Department of Health as “Communities of Concern”: 14201, 14204, 14206, 14207, 14208, 14210, 14211, 14212, 14213, 14214, 14215, and 14225 (west of I-90). Children who live in these zip codes are at exceptionally high risk for lead poisoning. Communities of Concern Map.
Was your house built before 1978?
If so, then you should assume that your home has lead in it and take steps to protect your household and reduce the risk of lead poisoning. Use the database below to find out what year the house you are living in was built