Lead toxicity is the number one pediatric public health problem in the United States today. Lead based paint is the primary source of contamination leading to lead toxicity. A study conducted by the New York State Health Department in 1990, demonstrated that home renovations were a significant factor as a cause for children becoming lead toxic. With this in mind, this study was undertaken to determine if parents are cognizant that home renovations may be a source of lead contamination in the environment as well as their knowledge of lead toxicity. One hundred twenty five parents living in Westchester County, NY filled out the survey during a regular pediatric visit with their children. Of those filling out the survey instrument 78.4% owned their own homes, 10% were apartment or condo residents, and 3.2% lived in shelters. Where identified, the average home age reported was 37.9 years(median 36.5). Of the 90 responders who knew the age of their home, 69 lived in homes built prior to 1978 (old homes) and 21 lived in homes built after 1978 (new homes). Any residence built before 1978 was considered a possible source of lead. The inhabitants of homes made after 1978 were significantly more knowledgeable (p<0.05) of the home as a source of lead than those in homes built prior to 1978 that by definition had lead paint used in construction. Of the older home responders, only 10 of 69 (19%) knew that their home was a potential source of lead. Only two of 33 responders of older homes that had undergone renovations knew that they could expose their family to environmental lead. Only 26% could identify 1978 as the time period when non-lead paint was widely used in home construction, while 48% had no idea as to when it was introduced. In conclusion, parents of children living in older homes in Westchester County are not cognizant of the fact that their homes may be a possible source of lead exposure and poisoning. This study suggests that an intensive educational program needs to be undertaken in Westchester County to prevent children in older homes from being exposed to lead.
