CHENANGO COUNTY — Childhood lead poisoning is widely considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet approximately half a million U.S. children have blood lead levels above what American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends public health actions be initiated. While a simple blood test can lead to treatment that can prevent permanent lifelong damage, the Chenango County Department of Health are committed to eliminating this burden to public health by hitting the pavement and spreading the word.

Recently, employees from the County's Health Department completed an annual lead poisoning prevention education walk throughout the months of May and June.

A total of 18 participants from both Public Health and Environmental Health Departments visited nine towns around Chenango County, including the City of Norwich.

The street teams placed door hangers with lead poisoning prevention information and provided tips on how to find hidden lead poisoning hazards with educational preventative measures for the home and family.