Jefferson County plans lead-safety outreach, toy testing Oct. 28
Jefferson County Public Health Service plans lead-safety outreach during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, including free toy and small-item testing Oct. 28.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Jefferson County Public Health Service plans outreach on lead-exposure risks during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25–31, 2026. The week’s national theme is “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” and county activities include free testing of toys and other small items on Oct. 28.
The county’s toy-testing event is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 28. The first 20 participants will receive wet-cleaning supplies. The event does not require an appointment. The event location should be confirmed with Jefferson County Public Health Service before attending.
A “Happy, Healthy, Lead-Free Me” StoryWalk is planned at Thompson Park in Watertown and will remain in place through the fall. An interactive lead display also is planned at Salmon Run Mall during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Lead exposure is a particular concern for children who live in older housing. Jefferson County says about 75% of its homes were built before the 1978 federal ban on lead-based paint. Watertown was designated a community of concern in early 2025 because of its aging housing stock.
New York requires health care providers to test children for lead at age 1 and again at age 2. Jefferson County offers lead screening through its office. Residents can call 315-786-3700 for information about screening, or contact the county lead program at 315-786-3720.
The county also says Watertown is covered by New York’s Lead Rental Registry law. As of Nov. 3, 2025, the law applied in 25 communities of concern, including pre-1980 residential rental properties with two or more units in the City of Watertown.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a Lead Poisoning Prevention Week webinar from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time Oct. 27. Information about the national observance is available from the EPA.
Jefferson County Public Health Service is at 531 Meade St. in Watertown. Its 24-hour line is 315-786-3700. Free RRP lead-safe training is scheduled for Dec. 11, 2026, at the health service, with registration available by calling 315-786-3730. More information about local screening and lead prevention is available through the Jefferson County lead poisoning prevention page and the county’s Lead Rental Registry information.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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