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Lead Poisoning Prevention Program The Cuyahoga County Board of Health
(CCBH) offers a variety of services with the goal of eliminating childhood lead
poisoning. Although lead poisoning is often thought of as a problem of the past,
more than 2700 children were lead poisoned in the state of Ohio in 2007. Almost half of
those children lived in Cuyahoga county. To address this problem, CCBH offers a
free home repair program for Cuyahoga County residents OUTSIDE the city of Cleveland.
The program can provide up to $10,000 in repairs per housing unit.
Frequently Asked Questions about leadWhat is lead poisoning? Lead poisoning is an elevation of the lead in the body. The Centers
for Disease Control has defined an Elevated Blood Lead Level (EBL) as a level greater
than 10 ug/dl. It can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system,
behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, and hearing problems. Levels of
lead below 10 ug/dL have been linked to a decrease in IQ. At high levels, lead can
cause seizures, coma, and death.
Where is lead found? Most childhood lead exposure happens in housing. Housing built before
1978 may contain lead paint. The older the home the more likely it is to have lead
paint. Lead paint becomes hazardous when it chips, flakes, peels, or chalks. Lead
can also be found in soil near driveways, streets and surrounding structures such as garages
and fences containing lead-based paint. A small amount of lead is found in water.
How does the lead get inside children's bodies?Most exposure to lead happens by normal hand to mouth activity and the placing of
objects containing lead dust into the mouth. A small number of children may eat lead-based paint
chips. Some lead dust may be inhaled if children are present when lead-based paint is
disturbed.
Available Services :Environmental assessment of homes Case Management for children with elevated lead levels More Information:
Healthcare Provider Information- testing requirements, heavy metal reporting
form, and health department contact.
Elevated Blood Lead Level tables by neighborhood (Cleveland) and cities
Prenatal
Anticipatory Guidance (spanish)
Greater Cleveland Elimination Plan Ohio Department of Health Elimination Plan
Web resources:Housing Cleveland- listing service for affordable rental housing in Cuyahoga County Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Protection Agency Ohio Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Cleveland Department of Public Health Cleveland Tenants Organization U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (recalls) For more information about the lead poisoning prevention program please contact Romona Redding @ 216-201-2001 ext 1317 or rredding@ccbh.net
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