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A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Getting the Lead Out
Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels Related to Home Renovation, Repair, and Painting Activities — New York, 2006–2007
February 5, 2009

This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC — safer, healthier people.

If you’re planning to put on a fresh coat of paint, have that old kitchen updated, or new windows installed--beware. There might be danger lurking on those windows and walls. Many older homes, particularly those built before 1978, have paint with high concentrations of lead. A recent CDC study in New York found that home renovation projects, especially those that disturb lead-containing paint, were an important cause of lead poisoning among children. So if you are having an older home remodeled or repaired, make sure your contractor is aware of the potential dangers and takes steps to protect himself and your family.

Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.

For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.