Pre-1980 rental units in New York statewide will be inspected every three years to find hazardous lead that could pose a risk to kids under a proposal by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

The goal is ultimately to eradicate lead exposure in New York state, where 7,000 kids annually are diagnosed with elevated lead blood levels, according to the governor's office. 

The plan is meant to tackle lead in rental homes across New York state, with officials focusing on 24 communities outside of New York City, which has its own lead abatement program. 

Hochul wants to provide state funding to offset the costs of inspections and help pay for renovations when dangerous lead conditions are found. Local governments can also receive additional federal funding to aid property owners with removal. 

Hochul was in Rochester on Monday to highlight the anti-lead proposal in rental units.

Hochul pointed to Rochester's own efforts to curtail lead exposure through a lead paint prevention law. In the years since the measure was approved, lead exposure cases sharply declined. 

"This is a shining example of what happens when you have a commitment from your elected leaders and their community partners to say, 'no more.'" We have the power to change this; it does not have to be this way," Hochul said. 

Lead exposure in children, often from lower-income and disadvantaged communities, can create cognitive problems that last into adulthood. Exposure to lead can cost New York up to $3.4 billion alone, the governor's office said.