Bright Future Begin Lead-Free

The LeadSafeCNY Coalition is a community-led effort to build healthier, lead-free homes and neighborhoods across Central New York.


 Who We Are?

 The LeadSafeCNY Coalition brings together families, community leaders, and organizations to eliminate lead poisoning and environmental health hazards in Central New York. Together, we focus on four core areas:

  • Housing: Safe, healthy homes for every family.

  • Health: Access to testing, treatment, and prevention.

  • Education: Empowering parents and communities with knowledge.

  • Workforce: Building skills and training for a lead-free future.

Our Staff

🍂 Lead-Safe Autumn Play & Yard Care

Fall brings cooler weather, falling leaves, and harvest time, but outdoor tasks like raking, leaf blowing, and harvesting late crops can kick up lead-contaminated soil—especially around older homes built before 1978.

According to the CDC, lead remains in soil for decades due to legacy exterior lead paint, past leaded gasoline emissions, and industrial sources. Autumn activities can re-suspend contaminated dust into the air or bring it indoors on boots, rakes, and outdoor gear.

Keep your family Lead-Safe this fall:

  • 🧹 Avoid dry sweeping or leaf blowing: Wet down dry leaves and bare soil before raking to prevent kicking up lead-contaminated dust.

  • 👟 Leave boots at the door: Wipe shoes thoroughly on a heavy-duty mat or set up a shoe-free entry zone to prevent tracking autumn soil and leaf dust inside.

  • 🧤 Wear gloves during yard cleanup: Wash garden gloves regularly and keep lawn equipment outside or in a shed.

  • 🧼 Wash up after outdoor play: Have children wash hands and faces with soap and warm water immediately after playing in leaf piles or yards.

  • 🍎 Wash harvest produce thoroughly: Scrub all root vegetables, fruits, and garden produce carefully before eating, or peel top layers to minimize soil intake.

Taking a few simple precautions allows your family to safely enjoy crisp autumn days, pumpkin carving, and garden cleanups.

For more information:

🌱 New York State Department of Health – Healthy Gardening:  NYS Department of Health: Healthy Gardening & Soil Safety⁠

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/

Learn more about lead prevention, healthy homes, and community resources by connecting with LeadSafe CNY Coalition.

Follow us:

Facebook @ profile.php?id=61575265299052

Instagram @ leadsafecnycoalition

Linkedin @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadsafecny-coalition-3255b8393/

🍂 Come out and see us!

🗓️ Check the calendar below to see where we are out in the community each month. 🍁 It’s a great way to keep up with Lead Safe CNY Coalition events near you

Coalition in Action

 Our coalition works through committees focused on Housing, Health, Education, and Workforce Development, bringing together experts, advocates, and families to create real solutions.

  • Steering Committee (Governance Body)

  • Data Committee

  • Education, Engagement & Testing Committee

  • Training & Support Committee

Family Voices Advisory Council ensures that the lived experiences of parents and caregivers are at the heart of every decision we make.


Building Healthier, Lead-Free Futures

LeadSafe CNY Coalition works across housing, health, education, and workforce development to prevent lead poisoning and protect children and families. Through cross-sector partnerships and community-driven strategies, the Coalition advances long-term solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and improve outcomes across Central New York.

  • Safe, healthy homes for every family

  • Access to testing, treatment, and prevention.

  • Empowering parents and communities with knowledge.

  • Building skills and training for a lead-free future.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Lead exposure often has no symptoms, but testing can protect your child.

Don’t forget to ask your doctor:

Has my child been tested for lead? When should my child be tested? What are our next steps?

❊ Get Involved ❊

 Be Part of the Solution

 We believe lasting change happens when communities work together. Here’s how you can get involved:

Volunteer with Us!!!!!

  • Want to get involved or share your ideas? Reach out to our director at ljones@unitedway-cny.org

    We’d love to connect!

  • Students can contact our director, LaToya Jones, MPH 

    Email: ljones@unitedway-cny.org