News Coverage
Study: Many Ohio Children Not Being Tested For Lead
Published May 3, 2004
WASHINGTON -- About 19,000 children in Ohio have unsafe levels of lead in their blood and fewer than one-third of them have been tested or diagnosed with lead poisoning.
That's according to a new report out this week from the Washington-based Environmental Working Group, a consumer advocacy organization.
The group said these children fall through the cracks because many doctors don't test all kids for lead, leaving it up to parents to push for testing.
State officials from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Ohio Health Department said they agree. They said a new law that went into effect April 1 should change that.
The law requires that all children under 6 years old who live in high-risk areas of the state be tested.
Doctors also must screen all other children by asking about their living situations and doing testing when necessary.