SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The city of Syracuse has received funding from the state to help prevent lead poisoning in children. The Onondaga County Health Department met at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Tuesday to answer any questions about lead hazards and prevention.

Under the new pilot program, free home inspections and lead cleaning kits will be available to those living in high risk areas of Syracuse. The high risk areas include those within the 13204, 13205 and 13208 zip codes.

More than 85 percent of the housing in Syracuse was built before 1970, which increases the risk of lead poisoning. About one in ten children in high risk areas has lead poisoning.

"Lead unfortunately usually is a silent disease in the beginning. The lead poisoning affects the child's neuro development. A child can develop learning disabilities, cognitive dysfunction and behavioral problems," said Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County Health Commissioner.

The health commissioner says under New York state law, all children should be tested around the age of one or two for lead poisoning.

For more information, you can call the Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Control program at (315) 435-3271.