Lead Poisoning Prevention Education Information: FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Hannah Busman, MPH Director of Public Health/ Early Intervention Official  To: Town and Village Supervisors & Code Enforcement Officers of Franklin County  Dear Community Leaders, Franklin County is home to approximately 46,000 residents, including about 2,459 children who fall within the age range of concern for lead poisoning. Many of our houses, apartments, and community buildings(66%) were built before 1978—the year lead-based paint was banned. While some properties have been renovated, a significant number of homes and apartments still contain lead hazards. Lead poisoning remains a very real threat to our children. The most common sources of exposure include: • Peeling or chipping paint inside or outside the home • Dust created from deteriorating paint or unsafe renovation practices • Soil around homes with exterior lead paint or near heavily traveled roadways Once in a child’s body, lead can cause serious and lasting harm. It affects brain development and the nervous system, leading to developmental delays, learning and behavioral challenges, lower IQ, and other lifelong health issues. New York State continues to rank among the highest in the nation for the number of children affected by lead poisoning. This ongoing public health crisis is particularly urgent in communities with older housing stock and limited access to resources — including Franklin County.  To help address this, we are reaching out to ask for your partnership in our efforts to educate residents and raise awareness about lead hazards throughout Franklin County. Our goal is to empower families, property owners, and community organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent childhood lead exposure before it occurs. Together, we can help reduce the number of children affected by lead poisoning in Franklin County. For more information and resources on lead poisoning, please visit: • Lead | US EPA • Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention – NYS DOH • Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning | CDC Malone District Office:                                             355 West Main Street        PH: (518) 481-1710                                 Malone, NY 12953             FAX: (518) 483-9378                                     Saranac Lake District Office:       PH: (518) 891-4471 FAX: (518) 891-7238 Attached to this letter, you will also find flyers with additional details to share within your communities. If you would like any printed copies, please contact our office at 518-481-1710.  Thank you for your leadership and for your continued commitment to the health and safety of Franklin County’s children and families. Sincerely, Franklin County Public Health Services Lead Poisoning Prevention Program   Click here for flyers