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Lead Complaints
Lead investigations are initiated as the result of a medical report confirming an elevated blood lead level in a child greater than or equal to 15 micrograms per decaliter. The medical report is first sent to the Clermont County Nursing Division, and from there goes to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH conducts the investigation with the assistance of the Health District, and the ODH checks lead levels in the home. The Health District does not perform lead monitoring, and acts only in an advisory capacity.
The Health District does not regulate lead, and does not require the removal of lead paint. Houses built before 1978 probably have lead paint in them. If lead paint is present in a home, it is better to leave it alone. Removing lead paint can produce large quantities of dust contaminated with lead. If lead paint is removed, it should only be done by a professional lead abatement contractor.
Covering lead paint with a non-lead paint is an alternative to removal. Lead paint that is already covered by a non-lead paint will present no health hazard if it is undamaged. Damaged lead paint may be covered with a coating of non-lead paint. Chips from damaged lead paint should be removed, and disposed of in the trash.
Dust from lead paint can be created by raising and lowering sliding windows. Dust from lead paint should be removed with a damp cloth, or a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuuming dust from lead paint using an ordinary vacuum cleaner will disperse lead contaminated dust into the air.
Other sources of lead in the home include: candles with lead wicks, lead plumbing, and hobbies which involve soldering. A home can be contaminated with lead from outside sources such as contaminated soil, or job related activities.
A child may have been exposed to lead, and not show any obvious symptoms. Signs of damage may not show up for years. Lead poisoning can cause permanent harm to the brain, and other organs. The effects of lead poisoning may include learning problems, trouble concentrating, anemia, and hearing loss.
If more information about lead is needed, call the Community Lead Education And Reduction (CLEAR) Corps at (513)281-6850, or visit their website at www.betterhousing.org.