Lead posioning, although preventable, can be deadly or have long-lasting health affects in children. Environmental Health works with Public Health Nursing and the Public Health Clinic to coordinate child testing for the Health Department.
“When we get a high level reading for lead in a child, either through our testing or from a report by another physician,” Amy Vincent, Director of Nursing says, “our next step is to determine where they are exposed to lead. Usually that means their environment.”
That’s when a nurse calls Environmental Health to have the home tested, using a portable lead analyser (which looks something like a laser gun) to x-ray painted surfaces in the house.
“If the paint is intact we normally don’t have a problem,” says Andy Barnes, a Sanitarian trained in using the equipment. “When we have paint flaking off of surfaces, particularly in older houses, we have the potential for children breathing in the lead dust or injesting the lead paint.” Barnes warns that while lead-based paint is a leading culprit, other factors, such as occupational exposure, can be contributors. If a problem is discovered, Enironmental Health will work with the home owner to see what can be done to eliminate the problem.
Meanwhile, a nurse will be arranging medical care for the child. “Young children are more at risk because their body systems are still growing,” Vincent says. “Like most medical problems, the early the detection the greater the chances for recovery.”
In 2006, Public Health Nursing did 12 investigations due to children reported with high doses of lead in their blood and Environmental Health conducted the home inspections. Together, the two departments are helping to assure healthier children and a safer environment for Richland County.

Periodically, the Health Department will post recall announcements for products with lead paint or product safety recalls when the recall affects Richland County stores or is an Ohio or national recall.

For recalls that are active, we suggest the following links:

USA Safe Kids website has safety recalls for children's items, including those with lead paint:
http://www.usa.safekids.org/

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall site:
Click Here for Official Notice Site: /www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html
Please note that you may have to enter details in the search window (for example: lead paint) to speed your search.