Lead-based paint and occupational lead hazards remain the primary exposure sources of lead in New York City (NYC) children and men, respectively. Lead poisoning has also been associated with the use of certain consumer products in NYC. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene developed the Intervention Model for Contaminated Consumer Products, a comprehensive approach to identify and reduce exposure to lead and other hazards in consumer products. The model identifies hazardous consumer products, determines their availability in NYC, enforces on these products, and provides risk communication and public education. Implementation of the model has resulted in removal of thousands of contaminated products from local businesses and continues to raise awareness of these hazardous products. Although lead poisoning has declined dramatically in New York City (NYC) and across the United States, lead poisonings continue to occur. 1 In NYC, most identified cases of lead poisoning are among young children, pregnant women, and occupationally exposed adults. The primary exposure source for lead in NYC children remains lead-based paint from older, poorly maintained homes. However, in 2009, 24% of the lead-poisoned children interviewed by the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) did not have an identified lead-based paint hazard. During the same year, 15% of men and 89% of women reported potential nonoccupational sources of lead exposure. Examples of such sources include consumer products containing lead, such as certain spices, cosmetics, supplements or remedies, and glazed ceramic foodware. 1–6 NYC is a highly heterogeneous city; its residents come from a broad spectrum of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Many residents maintain close ties with their birth and ancestral countries and exchange goods through the domestic marketplace, travel, and contacts abroad. Some of these imported goods may contain lead or other heavy metals at levels exceeding reference limits. Lead may be intentionally added to certain products (e.g., for perceived therapeutic benefits, as a coloring agent, to add weight to products sold by weight), or inadvertently added along the supply chain (e.g., lead contamination of soil where raw ingredients are grown, poor processing equipment). The NYC Health Code defines lead poisoning as a blood lead level (BLL) of 10 micrograms per deciliter or higher. Effects in adults can include increased risk of hypertension, kidney disease, cognitive dysfunction, and reproductive risks. 7 Lead poisoning in children can affect neurocognitive development and result in learning and behavior problems. 8 Adverse health effects may occur even at BLLs lower than 10 micrograms per deciliter. 9,10 Preventing lead exposure is the only effective way to protect adults and children from lead poisoning.
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