Though lead-based paint has not been sold for decades, the substance continues to plague many older cities, including Buffalo. According to Dan Telvock of Investigative Post, 85,500 housing units in Buffalo are considered "at risk."
Lead paint coating the walls in older homes has likely been painted over, perhaps with several layers of paint. Still, as Dan Telvock explained during WBFO's Press Pass, the lead paint can become exposed "anywhere in a home where there's friction."
"The windows, when you and open and close a window, there's that friction, up-and-down, up-and-down, and it creates dust and chips and that's where one of the biggest exposures are for children."
Lead poisoning can create problems in the internal organs of children. It has also been connected with lowering a child's IQ.
"It takes less that a sugar packet of lead-based dust or paint to poison a child," explained Telvock, who says 273 children in 2015 tested positive for relatively high levels of lead in their blood.
Another 123 "required some sort of medical intervention for local officials." That represents a 33 percent increase in one year.
The numbers highlight the need for Buffalo residents to be aware of the potential danger.
"You can call the Erie County Health Department and ask them for an (home) inspection," Telvock said.
"It may take awhile for them to get there because they don't have enough inspectors."
Swipe tests can be also be purchased at home repair stores.