Lead Program
NEW PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Lead Testing for Children
Lead testing using a capillary
(finger) stick is available by appointment at the health department.
Cost is $15, which is covered by the Medical Card and
some private insurance. Clients must bring their insurance card at the
time of the test. Appointments
can be made by calling the health department with Holly at (740)
695-1202 extension 26.
Ohio Medicaid rules require that children on Medicaid be tested for lead at age
one and two years. The Ohio Childhood Lead Prevention Program
guidelines require that children ages 6 months to 36 months of age, living in
designated high-risk Zip code areas, should be tested for blood lead content
twice, with at least 12 months between tests. Those who test at confirmed
elevated levels should receive case management services. Their residence should
receive a public health lead investigation.
High risk zip codes in Belmont County are:
-
43906
-
43912
-
43917
-
43935
-
43943
Children under age six should be tested if they meet any of the following
criteria:
-
Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950. This includes a day
care center, preschool, or home of a baby sitter or relative.
-
Live in or regularly visit a house that has peeling, chipping, dusting or
chalking paint.
-
Live in or visit a house built before 1978 with recent, ongoing or planned
renovation/remodeling.
-
Has a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead poisoning.
-
Frequently comes in contact with an adult who has a hobby or works with
lead. Examples are construction, welding, pottery, painting and casting
ammunition.
There is no safe level of lead in the blood.
