Services
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead poisoning is invisible and 100 percent preventable. Over 80 percent of all homes built before 1978 in the U.S. contain lead-based paint. The primary source of lead exposure is through leaded dust generated from deteriorating lead-based paint. Chipping, flaking, peeling paint or lead-based paint can generate invisible leaded dust that can cause serious permanent damage to children, pregnant women and adults. People can become lead poisoned by breathing or swallowing lead dust.
Waste Management conducts investigations of reports of lead poisoning in children under 6 years of age. Certified Lead Risk Assessors inspect homes for potential lead risks from exposure to lead-based paint, dust, soil, or water.
View this Lead Poisoning Fact Sheet in English for more information.
Para más información sobre el Envenenamiento por Plomo vea esta hoja de información en Español.
Free Paint Chip Testing
Hamilton County Public Health offers free paint chip testing. Click this link for more information.
Lead Risk Assessments
- When an elevated blood lead level (>10 ug/dl) in a child under 6 years old is identified, this triggers the need for a lead risk assessment to determine what sources of lead exposure exists in the home.
- The risk of lead contamination is primarily found in homes built prior to 1978 that are in poor condition. Children 6 years of age or younger are most at risk from the presence of lead due to their behavior at this early age. For example, babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.
- A certified Lead Risk Assessor visits the premises to check for the presence of lead hazards from potential sources such as lead-based paint, which may be present in dust and soil. Lead can also be found in older water systems containing lead pipes. The lead risk assessor determines potential exposures of lead during the assessment by performing a comprehensive analysis of all possible sources.
- A Health Educator accompanies the Lead Risk Assessor to provide education about the health risks associated with lead exposure and tips on how to limit the effects of lead exposure, including hand hygiene, cleaning and nutritional information.
Common Sources of Lead Poisoning from Residential Property
Please click this link to view photos of common sources of lead from residential property.
HEPA Vacuum Loan Program
Hamilton County Public Health loans HEPA vacuum cleaners at no charge ($100 refundable deposit required) to assist property owners with lead cleanup and removal. Please call the Health District’s Waste Management Division at (513) 946-7879 for more information.
Free Lead Testing for Children Who are Seen in our Immunization Clinics
Free lead testing is available for children age 6 years and under who are seen at our immunization clinics at Hamilton County Public Health. Learn more…
Lead Hazard Control Orders
Please click this link to view Lead Hazard Control Orders.
Lead Abatement Contractor Search
Please click this link to search for a licensed lead abatement contractor.
Lead-Safe Cleaning with a HEPA Vacuum
Additional Resources
- Lead Poisoning Fact Sheet in English
- Free Paint Chip Testing
- Guidelines for Paint Chip Testing
- Hoja de información sobre la intoxicación por plomo en Español
- Lead Poisoning in Children
- Lead Poisoning in Adults
- Lead Prevention Resource List
- Lead Prevention Publication List
- Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development