For immediate release: July 17, 2018

Hawkins to Discuss Need for Statewide Action on Children and Lead Contamination:

Will Provide Update on Campaign, including 5% showing in Zogby Poll, Green New Deal, Democratic Socialism

Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins will be available to members of the media to discuss the ongoing lead poisoning crisis affecting low-income communities, and especially low-income communities of color.

Hawkins will also be available to answer any questions related to the campaign, including recent 4 to 5% showing in a Zogby poll; Green New Deal and democratic socialism; and political corruption.

Hawkins' hometown of Syracuse, NY had the highest rates of child lead poisoning in the country from 2009 to 2015.

Although rates of childhood lead poisoning in New York have declined since 1998, childhood lead poisoning remains a significant public health problem in NYC and statewide, where rates remain above national averages. New York State consistently ranks highon key risk factors associated with lead poisoning, including many young children living in poverty, a large immigrant population, and an older, deteriorated housing stock.

Lead is highly toxic and is most harmful to children in their early years. Elevated blood lead levels can trigger serious health conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to chronic kidney inflammation or even convulsions. A strong link also exists between such lead levels and reduced IQ and behavioral problems. These secondary impacts can then negatively affect the social and economic prospects of children far into their future.

The main source of lead exposure in children is lead-based house paint and the contaminated dust it generates when the paint peels, chips or is disturbed during home renovations when painted surfaces are prepared for repainting.