Lead poisoning, for the most part, is invisible. Most lead-poisoned children have no noticeable symptoms at first. Some cases go undiagnosed and untreated.

Lead replaces iron and calcium in the body affecting many different internal systems, especially the central nervous system. It is most harmful to children under the age of 6, because lead is most easily absorbed into growing bodies and can create permanent problems in development. At lower exposure levels, lead poisoning in young children is associated with decreased intelligence, delayed growth, impaired hearing, attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity in later years. At higher levels of exposure, lead poisoning can cause mental retardation, convulsions, coma and death.

Yes. Lead can be found in the blood and bones of pregnant women who have been exposed to lead hazards. Lead can cross the placental barrier and affect the fetus. Immediate effects can include miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and low birth weight. Lead can also be passed to a newborn infant through breast feeding.

Yes. In high-risk Zip codes and for Medicaid-eligible children, lead testing is mandatory at ages 1 and 2. But lead can come from a variety of sources and all children should be tested at least once to ensure there is no lead hazard silently affecting a child.

Lead is not a natural part of the environment and has no nutritional value. There is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers all child blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dl) to be elevated and a concern. Lead levels as low as 5 μg/dl have been shown to have negative effects on cognitive development.

Lead was used in house paint until 1978. Any house built before that year may have layers of lead paint present. When chips of this paint are exposed they may be ingested, or ground into dust which may be ingested or inhaled. This happens most frequently through a child’s hand-to-mouth activities. Lead can also be present in soil, water and certain imported items. Recently recalled items with lead content include inexpensive jewelry items, candy, colored chalk and various toy parts.

When an elevated blood lead test result is received by a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention program, several things will happen. The child’s residence will be designated for a public health lead investigation which can determine the most likely source of your child’s poisoning. Your child will be referred for case management services which provide education about stopping and preventing lead poisoning and create a network which includes medical providers to ensure your child receives the proper care. Continued efforts will be made by the investigator, case manager and medical provider to ensure your child’s blood lead levels drop and that your residence is free from lead hazards.

If lead hazards are identified, an order to control lead hazards is sent to the property owner, who will need to hire a licensed lead abatement contractor to fix the home. A letter and a copy of the report are sent to the parents, with information and guidance on how to protect the child in the interim. The local health department, doctor and HealthChek coordinator (if appropriate), and other agencies may also be made aware of the assessor‘s findings. This information is also entered into an Ohio Department of Health (ODH) database.

Children with lead level above 45 μg/dl need immediate medical attention. If possible, a child should be removed from a residence with identified lead hazards. If this is not immediately possible there are some procedures which can help reduce lead in all children. These include frequent child hand washing, keeping a clean eating environment, keeping floors and other surfaces dust-free and ensuring a diet rich in calcium and iron.

You may call Bev Morgan RN at 419-668-1652 or call the Ohio Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OCLPPP) at (614) 644-9849.