Childhood lead exposure occurs when a child is exposed to excess amounts of lead and tests confirm elevated blood lead levels (at or above 5 mcg/dL). Children under the age of 6 are particularly at high risk for lead poisoning and other adverse effects due to hand-to-mouth activity. With sources of lead exposure being lead-based paint in older homes and drinking water, this problem remains endemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of elevated lead levels in school drinking water on children’s health in low-income areas, specifically New York City, over the past two years. Using data from the New York City Department of Health and the New York Department of Education, it was found that there was a decrease in the number of children with elevated blood lead levels from 5,317 in 2017 to 3,807 in September of 2018. The number of schools with at least one contaminated water fixture declined from 83% to 25%. In conclusion, childhood lead exposure rates have declined due to increased testing and Environmental Protection Agency regulations, but the issue is still prevalent.
