Advancing Public Health Interventions: A Novel Surveillance System for Hazardous Consumer Products

Lead poisoning remains a significant public health concern with preventable exposure from different sources, including certain traditional consumer products. To address the concern of product-related lead exposures, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has developed the Non-Paint Sample Database (NPSD). NPSD systematically tracks information about hazardous consumer products collected during New York City case investigations and store surveys. NPSD has enabled identification of new products-related lead sources and populations at risk of lead exposure and has guided risk communication, regulatory activities, and policy initiatives. Since 2007, approximately 8000 consumer products have been tracked by NPSD. NPSD demonstrates the potential for consumer product surveillance to enable source identification, monitor lead exposure trends, and facilitate effective educational and enforcement activities, which advances lead exposure prevention strategies.