The Chenango County Health Department is launching a lead poisoning awareness initiative. Department representatives will visit eleven communities in the county as part of a program called “Lead Walk 2022” with the theme “No Lead Level is Safe.”

“Our staff walks through neighborhoods and place door hangers with information about the dangers of lead poisoning,” said Heather Miller, Supervising Community Health Nurse.

During the next few months health officials will visit the City of Norwich, and the towns of Afton, Bainbridge, Earlville, Greene, Guilford, New Berlin, Plymouth, Sherburne and South New Berlin.

Children are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning because they are more likely to put objects in their mouth such as paint chips containing lead. “Every child in New York should be tested for lead at age one and two,” Miller said. “Lead poisoning is a possibility especially if you live in a home built before 1972.”

Lead paint and other products containing lead were banned after that year.

The biggest danger regarding lead is children may eat or inhale products containing the toxin. Lead then can get into the child’s bloodstream. “The lead can cause developmental delays in children,” Miller said. “Prevention includes proper cleaning and removing or covering chipping paint.”

The most common cause of lead poisoning in adults is exposure at work, especially jobs involving demolition and construction.  For more information about the dangers of lead contamination call 607-337-1660.

Betcha' Didn't Know This! 17 New York Inventions We Are Very Thankful For!

New York can boast of being the home of literally thousands of inventions. Here is a starter list of 17 (more lists will follow).. And I can speak for everyone when I say we are VERY thankful for each and every one of these items!

Did You Know This? "Eight Is Enough" At These Incredible New York Octagon Houses

Where are New York's most beautiful and interesting octagon-shaped houses? We've rounded them up for your viewing pleasure.

Your (Affordable) Upstate New York Waterfront Home Awaits You

Looking for a waterfront house in upstate New York without paying with an arm and a leg? Here's 12 of the best!

Did You Know This? 11 Vintage Upstate General Stores and Five and Dime Stores

We all have memories of those great little five and dime stores and general stores of our youth. They were the heartbeat of our communities. They sold just about everything, you could get a pretty good meal in most of them, and of course the showstopper was always the rows of penny candies. Upstate still has plenty of these stores around (some of them 100, 150, 170 years old!). Here is a list to start you on your trip back to the general stores of your youth. They are all great!

You Will Uncover Amazing New York State Trivia at These 11 History Centers

Each of New York's 62 counties has a historical society. These places are the "keeper of the stories" for each of the counties. They have thousands and thousands of historical artifacts within their walls, and they also host a lively schedule of presentations and exhibits. It is always fun to stop into a historical society when you are daytripping around New York. and believe me, they will be happy to see you!. Here are a 11 great historical centers found in Upstate New York. Check it out!

More From Big Cat - WBKT-FM