Lead Prevention

Ohio is among the top five states with the highest number of housing units with lead-based paint (US EPA). Ohio has the fourth highest percentage of tested children under age 6 with elevated blood lead levels (CDC 2007).

Ohio law requires that every Medicaid eligible child be tested for lead poisoning at 12 months and 24 months of age. The law further requires that every child under the age of 6 living in a high risk zip code be tested for lead poisoning.

What are the signs of lead poisoning?

Many children with lead poisoning have no signs at first, which means the poisoning is not diagnosed or treated early.

What are the health effects of lead poisoning?

Lead replaces iron and calcium and affects many parts of the body, especially the nervous system. Lead is most harmful to children under the age of six, because a child’s growing body takes up lead easily. Problems related to lead poisoning can last the child’s whole life.

Low Lead Levels

• Lower IQ
• Delayed growth
• Poor hearing
• Attention Deficit
• Hyperactivity Disorders (ADAH)

High Lead Levels

• Mental retardation
• Convulsions
• Coma and death

Every zip code in Crawford County is considered high risk due to the number of housing units built before 1978 (17,690 in 2007) when the use of lead paint in residential housing units was banned.

The Nursing Division also provides Lead Case Management for children found to have an elevated blood lead level. For further information on lead testing and lead poisoning prevention, contact Lisa Stine, RN at extension 1214.

Lead Testing Requirements and Medical Management Recommendations:
Ohio Healthy Homes Lead Testing Requirements

419.562.5871, ext 1209
Fax: 419.562.2048