LEAD Information

**We provide FREE nursing and environmental services in response to elevated LEAD levels.**

• There are no repercussions - Having LEAD in the home or a positive LEAD level will NOT result in an eviction or reporting to a child welfare agency.

• What is lead poisoning?
  • Lead poisoning is most dangerous to young children and unborn babies. Small amounts of lead can seriously affect their health.
  • Lead can harm a child’s brain and cause learning, hearing and behavioral problems. It can also harm the kidneys and other organs.
  • Lead in the body stops good minerals such as iron and calcium from working properly which can lead to developmental and growth delays.
  • Lead poisoning effects can be permanent.
    • HEALTH EFFECTS
      • Damage to the brain and nervous systems
      • Learning and behavioral problems
      • Slowed growth and development
      • Hearing and speech problems

• Lead testing
  • The only way to determine if a child has lead poisoning is through a blood test. 
    • Blood lead level found through blood lead tests
      • Blood lead test will tell if the child has been exposed to lead in 3-4 months
  • Children should be tested at 12 months and again at 24 months (at one and two-year check-ups)
  • Children with lead poisoning often do not look or act sick
• What to do as a parent
  • A healthy diet can protect children from lead poisoning
  • Give children four to six low-fat meals during the day
    • Children with empty stomachs absorb more lead than children with full stomachs
  • When children eat the right foods, their bodies absorb less lead
• Where is lead found?
  • Lead-based paint, typically seen in buildings and houses built before 1978
    • Makes up 57% of Indiana’s housing
  • Can be found in air, soil, and water
    • Less likely to cause high exposure
  • Lead in household dust
    • From painted surfaces rubbing, paint peeling, and cracking.
  • Consumer products
    • Includes certain plastics, painted toys, and jewelry
• Lead levels
  • No amount of lead is considered safe, but a level above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter from a confirmed blood test is considered elevated.
  • CDC currently uses a blood lead reference value (BLRV) of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with blood lead levels that are higher than most children’s levels.
  • What happens when a child has a level 5 of lead?
    • We will provide a home visit from a nurse to help figure out what your child may be getting into that could be a lead hazard. They’ll be able to set up a home inspection with a licensed lead risk assessor who can come out and test the paint, dust, and soil in and around your home to figure out what surfaces may be dangerous for your child. 
      • These resources are FREE of charge and there are no repercussions associated with this
        • This will NOT result in an eviction or reporting to a child welfare agency
• Preventing lead toxicity
  • If your child is under the age of 6, speak with their doctor about a simple lead test
  • Contact the Health Department about testing if your home was built before 1978
  • Wash children’s hands frequently. Wash toys, pacifiers, and bottles often.
  • Keep your house clean and dust free. Remove shoes before entering your home to prevent tracking in lead dust