New Data Show Child Lead Poisonings Continue to Fall in New York City
Cases are down by more than half since 2004, but hundreds of children are still affected each year.
The number of children with lead poisoning dropped by 12% in New York City last year, the Health Department announced in its annual report to the City Council. In 2009 the agency recorded 1,387 poisonings among children between 6 months and 6 years of age - fewer than ever before. The Health Department will continue to monitor cases and concentrate services and outreach efforts in the City's most affected communities. The agency has recently started offering environmental inspections to families in high-risk environments.