We provide screening diagnosis and treatment for children who may be suffering from lead poisoning. Our team includes a board-certified pediatrician, clinical nurse coordinator and specialists from clinical pharmacology/toxicology, nutrition, neuropsychology, social work and legal aid.
Long-term exposure to lead, a naturally occurring metal used in everything from construction materials to batteries, can cause serious health problems. Lead is toxic to everyone, but unborn babies and young children are at greatest risk for health problems from lead poisoning.
Since lead poisoning symptoms typically don't appear until dangerous amounts have built up in the blood, testing is mandated for all Medicaid patients at 12 and 24 months of age. the Ohio Department of Health developed blood lead testing requirements for other children in Ohio under 6 years of age.
Symptoms from lead poisoning range from headaches and stomach pain to behavioral problems and anemia (not enough healthy red blood cells). Lead can also affect a child's developing brain. Our neuropsychologist will assess your child's cognitive functioning and make recommendations for interventions if needed.
If lead ingestion is suspected, your child will undergo an abdominal X-ray and a hemogram test (complete blood count). We use outpatient chelation therapy to remove lead from your child's blood when levels are too high. Children who have extremely high levels of lead may be admitted for IV chelation therapy.
Our social worker will help you access funding and other available resources to help remove the lead from your home. Your child's pediatrician can initiate a home assessment through the lead department of your county health department or the Ohio Department of Health.
