PPAC Central

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, with “Every Journey Matters” as this year’s theme.  According to information from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management website, one critical area to consider is that of avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as cannabis.  Based on studies of both human and animal subjects, leading medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that anyone who is contemplating pregnancy, is pregnant, or is breastfeeding should stop using cannabis.  When mommy uses any substance, so does baby. Chemicals in cannabis pass through the mother and can harm a baby’s development.  Included is cannabis smoke, which has many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke, which are known to be harmful to both mother and baby. 

Cannabis purchased from the illicit market, not from a licensed dispensary, can pose additional risks as it is not tested or regulated.  These products can potentially be contaminated with mold, fungus, pesticides, or other chemicals that can be dangerous if consumed.  Potency levels may also not be labeled or labeled accurately.

Expectant mothers who take medical cannabis are strongly encouraged to talk with their health care provider about the possible risks/benefits during pregnancy, and ask about other medications or treatments which may have more pregnancy-specific safety data.  This is also suggested for women experiencing morning sickness, as there have been no clinical trials or studies to prove that cannabis is an effective way to treat morning sickness. 

Benefits of breastfeeding are vast for both mother and baby.  For more information on cannabis and the impact on breastfeeding, view the Breastfeeding  Ground Rounds entitled Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, hosted by the SUNY University at Albany School of Public Health. Let’s support our future generation of babies by encouraging potential mothers to choose a healthy lifestyle free of substances!  Be an active participant in this important initiative by visiting the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) website for resources.  For assistance with a substance use disorder, call the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse’s Clinic at 585-593-6738.

Resources

Cannabis Considerations for Pregnant and Breastfeeding/Chest Feeding Individuals

CDC’s Cannabis and Pregnancy

CDC’s Substance Use During Pregnancy

What You Should Know About Using Cannabis, Including CBD, When Pregnant and Breastfeeding

Why Early Literacy Matters

Early literacy is more than teaching children to read—it’s about creating an environment where language, communication, and curiosity thrive from birth. Research shows that the first five years of life are critical for brain development. During this time, children build the foundation for vocabulary, comprehension, and social-emotional skills that influence academic success and lifelong learning.

The Role of Families

Families are a child’s first teachers. Everyday interactions—talking, singing, reading aloud, and playing—shape language development. When parents and caregivers engage in literacy-rich activities, they foster:

• Vocabulary Growth: Exposure to diverse words through conversation and books.
• Comprehension Skills: Understanding stories and concepts through shared reading.
• Emotional Connection: Bonding during reading time builds trust and security.

Practical Strategies for Families

1. Read Aloud Daily: Even a few minutes of reading strengthens language skills.
2. Talk About Everything: Narrate daily routines, ask open-ended questions, and encourage storytelling.
3. Create a Print-Rich Environment: Display books, labels, and written notes around the home.
4. Use Music and Rhymes: Songs and rhymes enhance phonemic awareness.
5. Model Reading Behavior: Let children see adults enjoying books and newspapers.

Overcoming Barriers

We know not all families have equal access to books or literacy resources. Community programs, libraries, and nonprofits play a vital role in bridging gaps by:

• Providing free books and story hours like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (Early Childhood Development Coalition and Ardent Solutions).
• Offering parent workshops on early literacy techniques.
• Creating culturally responsive materials that reflect diverse families.

The Bigger Picture

Early family literacy isn’t just about reading—it’s about equity, empowerment, and opportunity. When families are supported in fostering literacy, children enter school ready to learn, reducing achievement gaps and promoting lifelong success.

Join other families every Tuesday from 10a.m.-12p.m. at the First Step Family Resource Center, 83 N. Main Street, Wellsville, New York 14895 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library story time and sign-up today to receive free, quality, age-appropriate books for your children up to age 5 at Check Availability – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Further information, please contact Robin Fuller at 585-803-4526 or email fullerr@ardentnetwork.org.

‘Companies are making these products look and smell sweet like candy.’

As Halloween approaches, Tobacco-Free Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany (TF-CCA) is calling out the tobacco industry’s continued use of candy flavors and packaging to lure kids to addiction. E-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and cigarillos come in sweet flavors and colorful packaging that imitates popular candy brands. These added flavors make starting tobacco use easier and quitting even harder.

“To protect public health, especially for youth, the 2009 Family Smoking and Tobacco Prevention Act banned the sale of cigarettes with ‘characterizing’ flavors other that tobacco or menthol,” says Jonathan Chaffee, Reality Check Youth Coordinator for TF-CCA. “However, other flavored tobacco products have remained on the market and become much more prevalent in the years since, including smokeless tobacco, little cigars and cigarillos, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, which are sold in an array of flavors in addition to menthol cigarettes.”

“Vampire Kiss, Tropical Fusion, Rainbow Custard and Strawberry Shortcake…they all sound like tasty Halloween treats, but they are actually flavors of tobacco and nicotine products that attract and addict youth,” says Dr. Maansi Bansal-Travers, Tobacco Control Outreach Program Director at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Big Tobacco’s flavor tricks are a key reason why teens in our community are vaping and using nicotine products. Companies are making these products look and smell sweet like candy.”

More Big Tobacco Tricks

Introducing new and limited-edition flavors.

Tobacco companies regularly increase their flavor offerings to attract new users and feature limited-edition or seasonal flavors like “Summer Fusion,” “Harvest Blend,” or “Spiced Rum.” These flavors are driving youth use. In fact, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that over 80% of high school and middle school students who use e-cigarettes use flavored products, with fruit, candy/desserts/other sweets, mint and menthol reported as the most popular flavors.

Emphasizing flavors in advertisements and colorful imagery on packaging.

The packaging and other marketing of flavored tobacco products emphasize flavors with bright colors and enticing descriptors like “Icy Wintergreen,” “Sweet Apple,’ and “Refreshingly Bold Citrus.”

Paying to place them strategically in retail environments.

Displaying flavored tobacco products on countertops near candy is a deliberate marketing tactic used by the tobacco industry to be more visible and easily accessible to youth. They pay a big price for this premium shelf space.

Are your kids bringing home a Big Tobacco trick or a Halloween treat? TF-CCA urges parents to beware of candy-flavored e-cigarettes, cigarillos and nicotine pouches this spooky season and beyond.

NYS Quitline is available to help.

Anyone who lives in New York State may contact the NYS Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can also visit nysmokefree.com to reach a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back or order free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications. The NYS Quitline additionally offers a variety of free texting programs for those seeking help at their fingertips. Learn2QuitNY and Vivir Sin Tobaco Es Vida (culturally tailored for Spanish-speaking communities) provide daily texts and weekly goals; text QUITNOW or DÉJELO YA NY to 333888 to register. The NYS Quitline’s latest texting service, ‘Drop The Vape’, supports young people and young adults in their efforts to overcome nicotine addiction. Registration and more information is available at DropTheVape.com.

Allegany County residents can get local help quitting by contacting the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc. (ACASA) at 585-593-1920 ask for Ann.

This past Saturday, October 25 the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc. (ACASA), the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Alfred Station Fire Company and Belfast Fire and Rescue Department, and Partners for Prevention in Allegany County (PPAC) held their biannual pill drop event in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Take Back Day. Community members brought 19.4 pounds of unwanted or unused medications they wanted to dispose of properly. The agencies use the pill drops to educate the community on the fourteen Take It to the Box locations that are throughout Allegany County, that can be used to dispose of medications year-round for free. The partners also educated about the availability to dispose of needles at any of the Allegany County transfer stations for free. Community members are asked to put needles into a puncture proof container like a laundry detergent bottle with the cap securely on. Allegany County is one of the very few counties in New York that offers this service for free.

Alfred Station and Belfast were chosen to be the Fall pill drop locations to help educate about the closest Take It to the Box locations at Alfred Pharmacy, Alfred University, Fillmore Pharmacy and Nicholson Pharmacy in Belmont.

6 cars came to the two locations to drop off medications. Even though the pill drop events do not collect as much medication as in the past the Take It to the Box locations have collected 1096.9 pounds of medications so far in 2025. Each person who dropped medications off received a Take It to the Box magnet. All medications that are collected are taken to an incinerating location by the Sheriff’s Office to make the medications harmless to the environment and useless to people.

“It is important for people to not flush medications as they are harmful to our environment,” states PPAC Coalition Coordinator Jon Chaffee. “Studies have shown that when medications are put down the drain, they find their way into our waterways and fish.”

The partners would like to “Thank” the Alfred Station Fire Company and Belfast Fire and Rescue Department for providing space for the Fall Pill Drop and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office for handling the medications to make sure they are disposed of properly and maintaining the Take It to the Box locations.

If community members were unable to make the Fall Pill Drop, they can also dispose of their medications properly anytime at: Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Cuba Pharmacy, Cuba Police Department, Fisher’s Pharmacy, Friendship Pharmacy, Jones Memorial Hospital, Jones Memorial Medical Practices in Andover and Boliver, and Tri-County Family Medicine in Canaseraga, and the Wellsville Police Department.

The next pill drop event will be held in April of 2026. To find out more information on the Take It to the Box locations visit www.ppaccentral.org/takeittothebox/. If you want to know more information about the National Take Back Day or find other locations you can visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday. For questions people can also reach out to Coalition Coordinator Jonathan Chaffee by emailing ppac@alleganycouncil.org or calling (585) 593 – 1920.

Remember Prevention Works!

For many, October 1st signifies the first day that it is acceptable to decorate for Halloween, drink pumpkin spice lattes, and enjoy the cool sweater weather of fall. However, for agencies like Connecting Communities Action and ACCORD, October 1st signifies the first day of something else – National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This awareness is vital to our communities.

What is domestic violence? It’s an individual’s attempt to exert their power and control over another individual in which they are in a relationship with, now or in the past. Traditionally when we think about domestic violence, we only think about the physical component. However, there are 5 types of abuse that we categorize the tactics of abuse into, the most commonly known physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and psychological abuse. 

Survivors or victims are not likely to come out and share what is happening in their relationships out of fear, guilt, shame, or many other valid reasons. So as our friends, neighbors, coworkers, we ask that you watch for the warning signs, or red flags. These can be things like, the partner always calling to check in, and continuing to call or text until they respond. Not allowing their partner to go hang out with family or friends alone. Worring if they are running late from a meeting or event. Having their location turned on and shared with their partner. Partner showing up to places uninvited because they just “miss them so much”. Ask questions as these could be serious red flags in a relationship. Some of these are subtle and can be easily overlooked or justified, let them know you’re there to listen to or provide the resources listed below for when they are ready. 

So, as October is coming to a close keep in mind 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 5 men are impacted by domestic violence. Statistically speaking this means you likely know someone that is currently experiencing domestic violence or someone that has been impacted by domestic violence. Watch for the red flags in relationships and be a support for when they are ready to open up. 

As always there are community resources that are just a call away. For Allegany County, please contact ACCORD (1-800-593-5322.) For Cattaraugus County, please contact Connecting Communities in Action (1-888-945-3970.)

The statement “youth have seen enough tobacco” is the slogan for Seen Enough Tobacco Day, an annual day of action held on October 13 in New York and led by youth members of Reality Check. It highlights the billions of dollars the tobacco industry spends on marketing, which studies show increases the likelihood of young people starting to use tobacco products. 

Despite federal regulations on tobacco advertising and sales to people under 21, the tobacco industry continues to use sophisticated and targeted marketing tactics to attract young people.

One deceitful tactic involves using appealing flavors in their products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, to attract new, young users. The vast majority of underage e-cigarette users report using flavored products, despite New York State banning flavored e-cigarettes in 2020, you can’t miss the huge window ads and neon signs in smoke shops. Young people do not have to go inside the stores to find out what they sell. The majority of these illegal flavored e-cigarettes are manufactured in China, which also brings up concerns about the lack of regulations and quality control for these products.

The tobacco industry promotes e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches as harm reduction products for current smokers to switch too, but what they do not mention is that most of these products expose the users to higher levels of nicotine than conventional cigarettes. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug, which changes how the adolescent brain develops and can cause anxiety and depression to worsen. Young people who start vaping have higher rates of smoking cigarettes and vaping cannabis as they get older.

The tobacco industry also heavily promotes e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where age restrictions aren’t closely monitored. Studies show frequent social media use is linked to a higher risk of youth starting to use tobacco products.

In stores, tobacco products are often placed in highly visible areas, like near candy displays, or promoted with price discounts that appeal to younger people. The industry uses bright, colorful imagery on packaging and has historically used branded promotional materials and sponsorships of social events to appeal to youth.

The Seen Enough Tobacco movement is part of broader anti-tobacco efforts that have been successful in reducing cigarette smoking among youth. However, the rise of new products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches presents a new challenge. Join the voices who have seen enough tobacco marketing and are saying something  about it — on October 13 and beyond.

For young people who want to quit vaping, they can sign up for the free texting service at Drop the Vape.

Monday, September 22nd, marks the 25th Anniversary of Family Day: Making Every Day Special, founded in 2001 by the Center on Addiction.  Research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has consistently found that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use other drugs.  Conversations during mealtime are a way for parents to stay connected and involved with their children.  Including youth in meal prep and clean-up instills a sense of responsibility and they are likely to feel like part of a team.  In addition to family bonding, kids who eat with their families are more likely to learn healthy eating habits, eat smaller portions, do better in school, and are less likely to stress about food.  Depending on weather, a picnic with board games would be a fun way to enjoy nature and appreciate each other’s company.

Televisions, cell phones, and other mobile devices should be turned off during dinner so each person can share the day’s events without distractions.  (The exception would be if a family member is separated by distance and phone/virtual technology is the primary means of communication.)  Trips in the vehicle can also be used as teachable, quality bonding time, as parents have a “captive” audience.  The earlier parents start connecting with their kids, the better.  If kids aren’t used to talking to their parents about what’s going on in their lives when they are eight or ten, it will be more difficult to get them talking when they are older.    

Teens are at greater risk of substance abuse as they move from middle school to high school, so, parents need to be especially attentive during this transition period.

Teens are at greater risk of substance abuse as they move from middle school to high school, so, parents need to be especially attentive during this transition period. If parents are unsure of how to start an age-appropriate conversation, they can access tips in the Parent Toolkit on the CASA Family Day website. Other valuable information can also be found in the toolkit, such as “connecting” with kids, preventing substance use, background facts on substance use, family activities and worksheets, and tips for talking to kids about substance use. Parents can also sign up on the website to receive a parent newsletter. Family photos and/or videos can be shared on social media using #MyFamilySelfie If you share family photos tag PPAC Central on Facebook or Instagram to show us and other families how you enjoy spending time as a family.

Be creative!  Ask family members what healthy, positive activity they would like to try as a family unit.  Embrace this “silver” milestone with extra motivation and a special meal! Below are some ideas to get the creativity flowing.

• Host a family meal: This is the original focus of National Family Day, and research shows that eating together regularly can strengthen family bonds.
• Create a photo memory book: Work together to create a physical or digital scrapbook of favorite family photos and memories. Apps like Canva or iMovie can help you create a fun photo montage or video.
• Have a family game night: Get out the board games, card games, or even team-based video games. This activity builds cooperation and creates lots of laughter.
• Volunteer as a family: Give back to your community by volunteering at a food bank, animal shelter, or other local charity. This is a great way to solidify family values.
• Cook or bake together: Try a new recipe, make homemade pizzas, or bake cookies. Giving everyone a role in the kitchen builds teamwork and creates a delicious reward. 

Celebrate with parents nationwide and pledge to commit to being a STAR:

Spend time with your kids by playing games, taking a walk on local trails, or enjoying another family activity.

Talk to them about their friends, interests, and the dangers of using substances.

Answer their questions and listen to what they say.

Recognize that parents have the power to keep their kids substance-free! A warm, supportive relationship between parents and their children is linked to better judgement, increased self-control, and resilience, which are strengths that help reduce the risk of future drug use. It is okay to not have all the answers to their questions, let them know you have to look something up. Information and facts on alcohol, nicotine, THC, and other substances can be found at TalkItOver.org.

Remember, parental engagement does make a difference, and prevention works!

August 31 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms.

The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.

This IOAD, we encourage unity andcollective action against overdose.

• Overdose knows no boundaries, so our efforts must connect the many voices impacted by overdoses.
• We are united in grief, empowered together to transform loss into hope and action.

The goals of IOAD are to:

• Honor the lives of loved ones who have died from overdose.
• Show support to people who use drugs and those in recovery that they are valued.
• Continue to raise awareness about the risks of drug overdose.
• Share information on available prevention, treatment and recovery support services.
• Promote evidence-based practices and strategies to prevent and reduce drug-related harms.

In January a partnership between the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc, (ACASA), Jones Memorial Hospital, and Medication for Addiction Treatment & Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) placed a harm reduction vending machine by the Emergency Room Parking lot at Jones Memorial Hospital. The vending machine gives community members access to Naloxone. Which reverses the effects of overdose, as well as fentanyl and xylazine test strips.  All supplies are free of charge. Since the vending machine has been operational ACASA staff have heard from grateful community members because they have friends and family members going through addiction and the supplies in the vending machine might allow them to save their lives. “The truth is, none of us can recover or make changes if we’re not alive to do it,” states Cassi Stives, Certified Peer Recovery Advocate for ACASA. “Harm reduction keeps that door open. No one is disposable and your recovery matters!”

Since January hundreds of supplies have been distributed to community members. “It has been a very positive collaboration with these organizations on providing these harm reduction resources to those in our community,” says Chad Sebastian, Executive Director of ACASA. “As it has been a valuable resource for those individuals and families impacted by a substance use disorder.”

If you or someone you know is looking for help with addiction they can contact ACASA at (585) 593-6738 or visit www.alleganycouncil.org for more information on services that are available to them. For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day visit https://www.overdoseday.com/.

Happy August! It’s the perfect time to soak up summer sun, go on picnics and enjoy vacations. It’s also National Wellness Month, a perfect time to address tobacco use and making a dedicated effort to quit.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in New York State, killing more than 22,000 New York residents annually. Each year an estimated 10,600 New York youth become new regular, daily smokers, and an estimated 280,000 youth currently alive in New York are projected to die early from smoking-related diseases.

When it comes to youth, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product. Over 2 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2023. This public health crisis of vaping collides with another increasing threat to young people: mental health. Vaping nicotine can intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase stress levels. Current e-cigarette users have double the odds of having a diagnosis of depression compared to those who have never vaped, according to a 2019 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study of nearly 30,000 current e-cigarettes.

Nicotine pouches are a relatively new type of nicotine product gaining popularity, particularly among younger adults. They are small, discreet pouches containing nicotine powder, designed to be placed between the lip and gum. Unlike traditional tobacco products, they don’t produce smoke, vapor, or odor. While some see them as a safer alternative to smoking, concerns exist about their addictive nature and potential health impacts. 

“Nicotine is a highly addictive drug, and the tobacco industry has a long history of employing various strategies to maintain and expand its customer base, including introducing new products designed to appeal to new users, particularly young people,” says Jonathan Chaffee, Reality Check Youth Coordinator for Tobacco Free Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties (TF-CCA). “The good news is that there’s a service available to help tobacco users quit and begin a life independent from tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine products.”

That service is the NYS Quitline

Anyone who lives in New York State may contact the NYS Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can also visit nysmokefree.com to reach a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back or order free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications. The NYS Quitline additionally offers a variety of free texting programs for those seeking help at their fingertips. Learn2QuitNY and Vivir Sin Tobaco Es Vida (culturally tailored for Spanish-speaking communities) provide daily texts and weekly goals; text QUITNOW or DÉJELO YA NY to 333888 to register. The NYS Quitline’s latest texting service, DropTheVape, supports young people and young adults in their efforts to overcome nicotine addiction. Registration and more information is available at DropTheVape.com.

25 Years of Saving Lives

This year, the NYS Quitline, a service based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, is celebrating 25 years of saving lives. Officials estimate more than 600,000 people in New York State have become tobacco-free through the NYS Quitline’s services, which include not only NRT medications but also individualized coaching and self-help materials. While fewer than 1 in 10 American adults achieve success upon trying to quit smoking, approximately 35 percent of NYS Quitline participants report continued abstinence upon a 7-month follow-up call by comparison.

New York State’s Pledge to Reducing Smoking-Related Death and Disease

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control funds TF-CCA to increase support for New York State’s tobacco-free norm through youth action and community engagement. Efforts are evidence-based, policy-driven, and cost-effective approaches that decrease youth tobacco use, motivate adult smokers to quit, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.  TF-CCA is a program of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Allegany County Department of Health would like to remind any residents doing home renovations that there are ways to keep lead dust to a minimum. Allegany County has many older housing units and those that were built before 1978 most likely contain lead paint. Lead is a metal that can harm children and adults when it gets into their bodies. Lead can be found in dust, air, water, soil, and in some products used in and around our homes.

Do-it-yourself projects can easily stir up dangerous lead dust. Lead paint dust or chips can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. Children and pregnant women must not do any lead paint removal work, and they should stay out of the work area until clean-up is complete. If you’re not sure you can clean up every day, arrangements for temporary living quarters should be made.

As a homeowner you can do the work yourself, however, the Allegany County Department of Health has grant funding to help address lead-based paint hazards in privately-owned homes and rental units that were built before 1978; with priorities set for homes with children under the age of six and pregnant women due to the long-lasting effects that Lead poisoning can have on them.  Remediation work may include painting, enclosure, removal, and replacement of windows, doors, moldings and other surfaces or components that contain lead hazards. The deadline to apply for the free home repairs is December 1^st, 2025. Visit https://www.alleganyco.gov/departments-health-lead/ to learn more.

But if you choose to do the work yourself, there are ways to keep health risks to a minimum. Protect your family and home during renovation projects by setting up safely, controlling the dust and cleaning up completely. Always use a method that creates the least amount of dust.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO DISTURB LEAD-BASED PAINT FOLLOW THESE PRACTICES:

• WORK SMART
  • Choose paint removal methods that minimize dust.
  • Avoid sanding, burning, and grinding; and replace building components rather than removing paint when possible.
  • Wear disposable coveralls, shoes, hair covering, goggles and a properly fitting respirator.
  • Only HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) respirators will filter lead dust and fumes. Simple paper or fabric dust masks will NOT protect you from lead dust.

• WORK WET
  • When paint removal is necessary, use water while working to reduce dust.
  • Use a water spray bottle to wet any surface to be scraped or sanded.

• WORK CLEAN
  • Prepare the work area. Use plastic sheeting to cover floors, furniture and other items that may collect dust.
  • Close Windows and cover doorways to work areas with plastic sheeting.
  • Plastic sheeting isn’t expensive and must be thrown out after the job is done.
  • Clean up carefully. Before leaving the work area, dispose of coveralls, and remove dust from your clothes with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.
  • Shop vacs should not be used for cleanup because they can spread lead dust.
  • Shower as soon as you can, so you do not spread lead dust around your home or elsewhere.
  • The Allegany County Department of Health has HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners available to borrow.

What is lead poisoning?

Lead can harm a young child’s growth, behavior, and ability to learn. Children under six years old are more likely to get lead poisoning than any other age group. Most often, children get lead poisoning from breathing in or swallowing dust from old lead paint that gets on floors and windowsills, hands and toys. Lead can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.

What you should know about lead testing:

Children who may have been exposed to lead-based paint should have a blood lead test to see if they have elevated blood lead levels. All children one and two years of age, or who may have been exposed, should be tested. Other children under six years of age, or who may have been exposed, should be tested if their doctors think they are at risk.

For more information and methods on making your home lead-safe:

For lead testing call the Allegany County Department of Health at 585.268.9250, follow us on Facebook or visit Allegany County Department of Health.