Lead Safe Screening & Testing Program

As the region’s most trusted health improvement collaborative, Better Health Partnership (BHP) works to achieve exceptional health value while eradicating health disparities across Northeast Ohio.

BHP brings together health care, social services, and other sectors to share best practices and accelerate data-informed improvements in equitable population and community health.

CONTACT BHP:
5420 Lancaster Dr., Building C
Brooklyn Heights, OH 44131
216.250.1077
betterhealthpartnership.org
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Lead is a harmful metal that can affect a child’s growth, behavior, and ability to learn. Most children with lead in their blood don’t look or feel sick. A blood test is the only way to know if there’s a problem.

Lead dust from old paint is the most common way kids are exposed. Since about 90% of homes in Cleveland were built before 1978, the risk is high. That’s why testing is so important.

All children living in Cleveland need to be tested for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2. If your child is older than 2 and hasn’t had a lead test, they should get tested at least once before the age of 6.

Yes — children of all ages who are recent immigrants, refugees, or adoptees should be tested for lead as soon as possible. Your child’s doctor can also help decide if older children need to be tested based on risk.

Most adults don’t need regular lead testing. However, some adults with certain jobs or other risks may need to be tested. Talk with your doctor if you think this applies to you. 

If you are pregnant, it’s important to talk with your doctor about lead exposure. The best way to protect your baby is to find and safely remove any lead hazards in your home.

Talk to your child’s doctor or make an appointment with a local health clinic to get a simple blood test for lead. Your child’s doctor can decide if the test is needed and help with any next steps.

You can also call Member Services on the back of your insurance card for help finding a local healthcare provider.

There is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood. The CDC uses a reference number of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) to help doctors find children with higher lead levels than most kids.

Parents and caregivers should ask their child’s doctor for the results of their last lead test and talk about what the numbers mean.

• Have your child drink water before the test.
• Make sure your child isn’t hungry or tired before the appointment.
• Be honest with them: it might hurt briefly, but you’ll be right beside them.
• Help your child stay calm during a blood test.
• Practice slow, deep breaths together.
• Bring a toy or a distraction for the test.

If your child’s test shows 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or higher, the test may be done again to confirm the results. If the first test used a finger stick, the second test will be a blood draw from a vein.

Children under 3 years old with confirmed lead levels of 5 µg/dL or higher will be referred to early support services.

If the lead level is 10 or higher, the local health department will contact you to help find and fix sources of lead, such as in your home or other places your child spends time.

Your child’s doctor checks for and helps prevent lead poisoning. They order blood tests, follow up if needed, assess risks, and offer advice to keep your child safe.