What is lead poisoning?

  • Lead is a naturally occurring element that can also be found in man-made products. Lead is toxic to humans, especially young children whose bodies absorb more lead than adults.
  • Lead poisoning happens when you swallow or breathe in lead, or drink water from lead pipes.
  • Children under 6 years old are most at risk as lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, lowered attention span, hearing loss, and behavior problems.
  • A blood lead test is the only way to know if a child has lead poisoning.

How lead poisoning happens

Exposure to lead-based paint is the main source of lead poisoning. Homes built before 1978 can still contain lead-based paint. When children play in areas with worn out or damaged paint, lead dust can get on their hands and toys. This can cause lead poisoning if the child puts these toys or their hands in their mouth.

Lead is also found in:

  • Drinking water from lead pipes
  • Soil or dirt
  • Some foods, spices, and candies made from outside of the United States
  • Folk remedies and cosmetics such as kohl, greta, and azarcon

Lead dust created during home remodeling, some jobs or hobbies, or from use of windows and doors are other primary sources of lead in the home. To search for a licensed lead-safe professional to help with any lead abatement or renovation projects, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s lead database.

There is no safe level of lead

  • Any amount of lead in the blood can cause negative health effects. Even low blood lead levels can be damaging.
  • Parents should talk to their healthcare provider to help determine if their child needs to be tested. Most children with lead poisoning do not show signs and symptoms right away.

At Home:

  • Get your home checked by a licensed lead inspector if it was built before 1978 (when lead was banned in house paint).
  • Look for peeling or chipping paint if your home was built before 1978.
  • Never use a home vacuum cleaner to clean up suspected lead, even if it has a HEPA filter. You can rent a specialized vacuums for lead cleanup in residences through the Ohio Department of Health Lead Licensure and Accreditation Program.
  • Complete home renovations safely to prevent lead dust exposure.
  • Check your drinking water by contacting your water provider. The Medina County Sanitary Engineers website offers water quality reports for Medina County residents.
  • If you are on a private well water system and are interested in having it tested for lead, call our Environmental Health Division at 330-723-9688, option 3.
  • Eating a balanced diet (calcium, iron, and vitamin C) can help to keep lead out of the body.
  • Wash hands and toys regularly to avoid contamination.
  • Avoid children’s toys that have been recalled Recalls | CPSC.gov.
  • Be cautious in the kitchen when using antique ceramic and pottery for it could have a lead glaze over it.
  • Avoid any medications or cosmetics that contain lead.
  • Be careful when eating imported spices, candies, and foods, for other countries have different regulations.

At Work:

  • If you come in contact with lead through your job, remove shoes upon entering a house to avoid tracking in lead. Change out of work clothes prior to entering your home and leave all work items at work.

  • A blood lead test is the best way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. If your child does not have a healthcare provider, you can call our Health Center at the Medina County Health Department for further guidance at 330-723-9688, option 1.
  • Based on blood lead test results, your healthcare provider can recommend follow-up actions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has additional guidance on recommended actions based on blood lead levels.
  • If your child tests positive for lead, our staff from the Medina County Health Department will reach out to provide assistance.

If your child is 6 months to 6 years of age and you answer “Yes” or “Do not Know” to any of the following questions, speak with your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood-lead test. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can call our Health Center at 330-723-9688, option 1.

Screening Questions: Yes Do Not Know No
1. Is the child on Medicaid?
2. Does the child live in a high-risk ZIP Code?
3. Does the child live in or regularly visit a home, childcare facility or school built before 1950?
4. Does the child live in or regularly visit a home, childcare facility or school built before 1978 that has deteriorated paint?
5. Does the child live in or regularly visit a home built before 1978 with recent ongoing or planned renovation/remodeling?
6. Does the child have a sibling or playmate that has or did have lead poisoning?
7. Does the child frequently come in contact with an adult who has a hobby or works with lead? Examples are construction, welding, pottery, painting and casting ammunition.
8. Does the child live near an active or former lead smelter, battery recycling plant or other industry known to generate airborne lead dust?

Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos

Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades