Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is working on two new initiatives to help eliminate lead poisoning in high-risk neighborhoods, a move he says will help protect the city’s most vulnerable residents.

The Replace Old Lead Lines, or ROLL, program will fully replace lead lines when they are broken or damaged to prevent lead from contaminating water. 

Brown introduced the program during his State of the City address last Friday.

People in Buffalo will also have a chance to pay extra on their water bill to contribute to a fund that will help get rid of lead pipes in their homes.

Medical experts say even a small amount of lead in the body can be toxic, causing learning disabilities, behavioral problems and even seizures.

They say it's important to prevent any exposure, especially in young kids.

"We have to look at all the ways in terms of policy and housing policies,” said Melinda Cameron, medical director of the WNY Lead Poisoning Prevent Center. “Looking at the water, looking at rental issues, ways to protect kids from being in leaded environments.”

For more information on lead exposure prevention, call the Erie County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at 716-961-6800.