Together, we can end New York's lead poisoning crisis.
Lead-Free Kids New York (LFKNY) is a growing statewide coalition of individuals, groups and organizations working together to end New York’s childhood lead exposure and poisoning crises. We work statewide to identify and advocate for state level policy solutions to childhood lead exposure in housing and other settings within the community. Explore our site to learn more about who we are, our policy priorities and how you can get involved in our movement to ensure all New York children are #LeadFreeKidsNY.
Who we are
Lead-Free Kids New York is a coalition of individuals and organizations working to end childhood lead exposure in New York. Our members include parents, teachers, healthcare workers, advocates, lawyers, organizations serving children and others.
Our Steering Committee is comprised of the following organizations:
Children’s Defense Fund - New York (CDF-NY)
Clean and Healthy New York (CHNY)
Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning (CPLP)
Engage NY
New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)
Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC)
NEW YORK CHILDREN ARE IN PARTICULAR DANGER
NY has the highest number and percent of children with lead poisoning in the U.S.
Nearly 100,000 children in New York State were newly identified with elevated blood lead levels of at least 5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL), since 2011 (when the CDC lowered the level of concern) to 2015.
NY has the oldest housing stock in the U.S.
Lead paint was banned in 1978. Yet, nearly 78% of NY's housing stock, over 4 million structures, was built before 1978. Because of this high lead risk housing stock, New York's children continue to suffer from lead poisoning at alarming rates.
WE ARE DEDICATED TO ELIMINATING CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING
IN NEW YORK STATE
We work statewide to identify and advocate for state level policy solutions to childhood lead exposure in housing and other settings within the community.
What are our policy priorities?
Comprehensive funding to find and fix lead hazards before they harm children
Close the funding gap for New York’s lead poisoning prevention programs
Required rental housing maintenance standards, proactive inspection and testing of residential property, school drinking water testing, and safe work practices.
How can you get involved?
Sign-up as an individual or organization to support the campaign
Attend coalition calls and meetings
Participate in campaign advocacy days by calling or emailing your elected officials
Meet with your elected officials
Share information regarding the campaign with your networks and community
Write a letter to the editor
Our Impact
In 2021, New York State enacted a law that expands the testing and action on Lead in School Drinking Water. (S.2122A/ A. 160) Read about this victory here.
On November 30th, 2021, the NYS Senate Health and Housing committees held the first New York State lead poisoning prevention hearing in nearly three decades due to our advocacy. Watch here:
Prefer to read? Click here to view each testimony - including from those who were unable to attend and speak in person.