The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department is reminding residents of the importance of protecting young children from lead poisoning.

If you have a toddler, preschooler, or a young child in your life, you should know that lead is a toxin found in our environment, and exposure to this toxin, even in small amounts, can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and permanent brain damage. At very high levels, lead exposure can cause seizures, coma, and even death. The damage due to lead often is permanent.

There is no safe level of lead exposure. Protecting children from exposure to lead is important for healthy development and lifelong good health. Lead testing should be completed at 1 year of age and then again at 2 years of age.

Testing is important because:

• Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. Know the age of your home.

• Household dust from renovation projects may contain lead. Take caution around children and pregnant women during repairs.

• Lead tastes sweet. Children may chew on peeling paint or lead-based painted surfaces.

• Children’s toys may be made or contaminated with lead. Wash toys and hands often.

• Lead may be carried in from soil. Take shoes off to prevent tracking through the house and wash soiled hands.

If you have questions, or would like more information on lead poisoning, call the Public Health Department at 315-386-2325, and visit https://www.stlawco.org/Departments/PublicHealth/LeadScreeningProgram .