Not only is it important to have your child screened for lead for his or her health, but it's also the law. The Ohio State Law Substitute House Bill 248 requires that all children who live in a high-risk ZIP code area receive a blood lead test at age 1 and again at age 2. A risk assessment questionnaire must be used for all other children (those who live in
low-risk ZIP codes) in this age category.

In addition, every child living in a high-risk ZIP code area who is between ages 36 and 72 months must have a lead-screening blood test unless you have documentation that your child has been previously screened for lead poisoning.

Are You in a High-Risk ZIP Code?

For a list of high-risk ZIP codes and the risk assessment questionnaire, go to www.odh.ohio.gov and click on "ODH Programs." Select the arrow under "Programs" and click on "Lead Poisoning—Children," then "Submit." Click on "High Risk ZIP Codes."

Once you've seen whether you live in a high-risk area, click on the back arrow. Then click on the link "Ohio Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Screening Recommendations." You'll find the risk assessment questionnaire. You must have your child tested for lead if you answer yes or unknown to any of the questions.

If Your Child Tests Positive

For local assistance on lead poisoning and housing inspection/abatement, please call:

• Toledo Lucas County Health Department: 1-419-213-4122
• City of Toledo: 1-419-245-1400 (ask for the Lead-Based Paint Program)
• Northwest Ohio Regional Resource Center for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention:
  1-800-698-3691 or
  1-419-447-3691, ext. 132

Interested in Learning More About Lead?

For more information about testing for lead, visit the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Web site at www.jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/bhpp. Click on "Site Index," the letter "L" at the top, then "Lead Poisoning." You can also visit the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at www.epa.gov/lead.