The laws about lead exposure screening are clear.

Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but houses built before then probably contain leaded paint. Children, particularly under the age of six, are most at risk from even small amounts of lead, and the damage can be permanent. But there are things you can do to protect your children. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of lead poisoning, how to help prevent it, and testing children at 12 mos. and again at 24 mos. for exposure to lead in accordance with New York State law.

	The laws about testing for lead exposure are clear.
New York State law requires all children to be tested for exposure to lead at 12 months and again at 24 months of age. Children enrolling in licensed day care or preschool must have a certificate of lead testing. Child-care providers are required to receive documentation of this screening within three months of enrolling a child into their service. Medical Report of Child in Day Care Form (pdf), New York State Office of Family and Childrens Services (revised 4/08) If you do not have the test results for a child, or if lead testing was never done on a child, you can assist the parent or guardian with this process. Download the Documentation of Lead Testing Form, give it to the parent or guardian, and request that they contact the child’s health-care provider to obtain the information, and then return the results to you within two weeks.