Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Childhood lead poisoning is a major, preventable environmental health problem across the country and in Cleveland. Lead is a highly toxic metal, and exposure to it can be dangerous, especially for children under six years of age. Lead poisoning can cause damage to the kidneys, nervous system, and brain, and can result in learning disabilities; decreased intelligence; speech, language, and behavior problems; and impaired growth and development.

Most children are exposed to lead from old paint in their homes and lead-contaminated dust and soil. Homes built before 1978 are likely to have surfaces painted with leaded paint. As old paint deteriorates, paint chips and flakes can develop. These chips and flakes can be accessible to young children and can break down into fine particles that get into dust in the house and soil in the yard. Young children can be exposed to paint chips, dust, and soil from normal hand-to-mouth activity, as well.

Lead exposure can also result from occupations or hobbies related to lead and, occasionally, from folk remedies, pottery, or old plumbing fixtures.

A blood test is the best measurement of a child’s lead level. Blood lead tests are routinely offered by physicians, hospitals, clinics, and health centers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined an elevated blood lead level as ten (10) or more micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (ug/dL).

The City of Cleveland joined three other local health jurisdictions in July, 2007 to formally adopt a new level of awareness of 5 μg/dL.  This aggressive action was taken because of the high prevalence of childhood lead poisoning in Greater Cleveland and emerging evidence that shows that low levels of lead exposure may be detrimental to the health of a child.  

To view New Lead Poisoning Prevention Guidelines click here! 

The City of Cleveland is a major urban area with numerous risk factors associated with childhood lead poisoning (including old, deteriorated housing, high poverty rates; and a large minority population) and a documented high prevalence of lead poisoning cases. In 2002, for example, of over 17,500 children tested citywide, twenty percent had blood lead levels that were above Federally acceptable levels, In addition, ninety-six percent of Cleveland’s housing units were built before 1980 and nearly half were built before 1940.

Lead poisoning is preventable. Possible lead exposure can be reduced by keeping painted surfaces in good condition, wet cleaning dusty surfaces, covering bare soil, and taking safety precautions during repair or renovation.

How do you achieve Lead Safe Living?

Learn the Risks:

• Keep paint in good shape
• Fix peeling and chipping paint safely, don’t dry scrape!
• Cover bare soil with grass or mulch.

Get Kids Tested:

• Test children every year between the ages of 1 and 4 years or at least once
    between 5 and 6 years
• Know your child’s blood lead level; levels of 5 and above are harmful

Reduce Lead Hazards:

• Keep your kids safe from the dangers of lead poisoning
• Learn more about safely remodeling or renovating
• For information on Lead Safe Living contact your local health department or the 
  Lead Safe Living Information Line at 216.263.LEAD (5323)

To view upcoming Lead Awareness Training Opportunities, Click Here!

Rental property owners play an exceptionally significant role in the prevention of childhood lead poisoning.  Awareness, education, safe work practices, and the control of lead hazards are preventive measures that will protect children.  The City of Cleveland has programs available to assist property owners in their efforts to provide lead-safe housing.

The Lead Maintenance Program was created in 2004 by the Cleveland Lead Ordinance.  The Lead Maintenance Certificate is a voluntary program that demonstrates that a property owner has taken preventative maintenance repairs, received Essential Maintenance Practice Training, and follows city and state guidelines to ensure that a child will not be lead poisoning while residing in or visiting their property.  The Lead Maintenance Certificate may be used as a tool to empower property owners by providing guidelines and presumed innocence in cases of lead poisoning.

To view the Lead Maintenance Certificate promotional brochure, Click Here! 

For Lead Maintenance Certificate Frequently Asked Questions, Click Here! 

To download Lead Maintenance Certificate Application, Click Here!