Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
What is lead poisoning?Lead poisoning is the most common chronic poisoning and
environmental illness in United States. Lead poisoning is an elevation of the lead level in the
body. It may cause damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed
growth, hearing problems, and headaches. Even at low levels elevated blood lead levels have been
linked to a decrease in IQ. The Centers for Disease Control has defined an Elevated Blood Lead
Level (EBL) as a level exceeding 10 ug/dl.
Where does it come from?It is most commonly found in lead-based paints used prior to 1978.
The deterioration of these paints causes high levels of lead in dust. Significant levels of lead
are found in soils near driveways, streets and surrounding structures containing lead-based paint.
A small amount of lead is found in water.
Who is at risk?The greater Cleveland area represents the largest population concentration
(1.4 million) and some of the oldest housing stock in the State of Ohio. The city of Cleveland and
inner ring communities represent the populations with the highest risk of lead poisoning. As high
as one in every four children under the age of 6, living in
select neighborhoods have
documented elevated blood lead levels.
How does the lead get inside children's bodies?The major route of lead ingestion is 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.
Where are lead hazards commonly found in most homes?The most common areas are window
wells, porch floors, porch railings, and bare soil.
Who should get tested?All children under the age of 6 years of age living in high-risk
census tracts, or as determined by their pediatrician (see FAQs)
Where can I have my child tested?The Cuyahoga County Board of Health provides blood lead
screening at various sites throughout the County. Testing is free for children on Medicaid,
Healthy Families, and Healthy Start. An appointment may be made by calling the Clinic- Monday
through Friday between 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. at 216-201-2041.
What can I do?• Have your home checked for lead hazards.
• Have your children less than 6 years of age tested for lead.
• Wash children's hand, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
• Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.
• Regularly clean floors, window sills, window wells, and porches.
• Cover bare soil with mulch.
• Leave outside shoes at the door.
• Keep painted surfaces in good condition.
Contact the Cuyahoga County Board of Health for more information
at 216-201-2000.
How can I have my home checked?The Cuyahoga County Board of Health will check a home at no
charge if the child has a blood lead level greater than 10 ug/dl, or upon written request from the
child's doctor. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health also conducts lead risk assessments upon
request for a fee (see application).
What $$$ is available to help fix my home?The Cuyahoga County Board of Health was awarded
a
lead hazard reduction
grant in the Fall of 2004 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These
monies will be available to target housing for lead hazard control work through a partnership with
the Cuyahoga County Department of Development, and other Community Development Departments.
Houses in high risk areas, outside of the city of Cleveland, where children age 48 months or
under reside, are the primary focus of this grant. For details of the grant and income eligibility
contact CCBH at (216) 201-2000.
HEPA Vacuum Loaner ProgramThe Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) has several HEPA
vacuums that may be used by residents Cuyahoga County. The vacuum may be used to clean up
leaded dust and is loaned out for a period of one week at a time. There is no charge for the
use of the HEPA vacuum. The person using the vacuum must have a valid driver’s license or
current Ohio identification card. The resident is responsible for picking up and dropping off
the vacuum at the CCBH office. Contact our office at 216-201-2001 ext. 1307.
Other HEPA Vacuum loan sites
; these are outside of our jurisdiction like Cleveland and other counties.
Greater Cleveland’s Plan to Eliminate Childhood Lead Poisoning by 2010The Greater
Cleveland Lead Advisory Council (GCLAC), made up of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) and
over forty government and non-profit agencies, has established a comprehensive plan to eliminate
the occurrence of childhood lead poisoning by the year 2010.
In comparison to national figures, the children of Greater Cleveland are disproportionately
affected by lead. The Lead Elimination Plan has specific objectives and activities to achieve this
goal. Total eradication of childhood lead poisoning will require the efforts of the entire
community. This plan identifies key players and outlines their responsibilities to ensure the
completion of this goal.
Greater Cleveland’s Childhood
Lead Poisoning Elimination Plan
The State of Ohio Lead
Elimination Plan
Other Resources and Links
Property Owner Guidelines for Lead Poisoning Prevention
•
HUD guidelines
•
Maintenance and Renovation handbook
•
Required landlord lead pamphlet
Local city and county information
•
Environmental Health Watch
•
Cleveland Department of Public Health
Ohio Department of Health
•
FAQ’s, Data & Statistics
•
List of contractors, assessors, labs
•
Laws & Rules
Environmental Protection Agency
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The National Center for Healthy Housing
Contact Information:
For further information or questions regarding any of the lead programs, please contact:
Stephanie McConoughey, RS
Program Manager
216-201-2001 x 1244
smcconoughey@ccbh.net
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