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Guide

The Onondaga County Lead Program: A Resource Guide

Published by Onondaga Lead Services Updated June 23, 2026

This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Lead rules depend on your specific property and situation. Confirm details with the linked government sources, and rely on a licensed contractor or attorney for advice about your case.

Onondaga County has long been a focus for childhood lead prevention because of its older housing stock. If you are worried about lead in your home or your child's health, the county program is a practical place to start. This guide explains what it does and how to reach it, and links you to the official resources.

What the county lead program offers

  • Coordination of childhood blood lead testing and follow-up.
  • Community education, including multilingual outreach.
  • Environmental investigations of homes when a child has an elevated blood lead level.
  • Guidance for families and property owners on next steps.

Start at the Onondaga County Health Department lead program and its lead resources page.

How testing and intervention work

New York directs providers to test children for lead at about age one and age two. When a young child has a confirmed blood lead level at or above the state's action level of 5 micrograms per deciliter, the local and state health department can investigate the home and require the owner to correct identified lead hazards. The CDC blood lead reference value used for screening is currently 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Neither number is a "safe" level; any exposure is best avoided.

If you are a property owner

A proactive inspection or risk assessment can help you understand your home before a problem arises, and landlords can review our rental compliance page. We are a marketing service that connects you with licensed contractors; the county program is the authority for public-health questions.

Where to get help fast

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Onondaga County lead program do?

The Onondaga County Health Department lead program coordinates childhood blood lead testing, provides community education, and conducts environmental investigations of homes when a child is found to have an elevated blood lead level. It is a good first contact for families and property owners with lead concerns.

When should my child be tested for lead?

New York directs health care providers to test children for lead at about age one and again at age two, with risk assessment through age six. Talk to your child’s physician, and contact the county program with questions. We are a marketing service and do not provide medical advice.

Who do I call about a lead emergency?

If you believe a child has been exposed to lead, contact your physician right away. You can also call the EPA National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. These are health matters, not something a marketing service handles.

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