David Welch, Director of Environmental Health, Toledo Lucas county Health Department

Lead, know the danger with in.  Know your role. Know your responsibility.

Lead poisoning is a serious health threat to our children under the age of 6 years old.  This is the time when their bodies are rapidly developing and lead poisoning harms their development, especially the development of the brain and nervous system.  Effects of lead poisoning such as lower cognitive skills, hyperactivity, learning disabilities are irreversible and will remain with the child for the rest of their life.

Lead based paint is the primary source of lead poisoning in our children.  Lead paint was banned in 1978, unfortunately those homes built before 1978, over 100,000 homes in the Toledo area still pose a risk for lead poisoning.  Approximately 3,400 children in Lucas County have some level of lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning is preventable.  Learn how to prevent lead poisoning and if you have a child under 6 years of age in Toledo, have them tested for lead – it’s the law.