Policy Tool Kit

Promote Awareness

Problem: Families,  policy makers, and the public believe that lead poisoning is an issue of the past. Reality is that Cleveland's rate of childhood lead poisoning is 7 times the national average. Experience shows that local government will not act until citizens demand action.

Solutions

• Combat Lead Amnesia Syndrome among civic and political leaders. 

• Promote lead safety awareness to families in high risk communities.

• Enact legislation to test homes and children for lead.

• Enforce lead safety laws. Voluntary compliance is unacceptable

Test the Homes

Problem: Over 80% of Cleveland/Cuyahoga homes were built before 1978...before lead paint was outlaws in residential structures.

Solutions

• Rental Registration (Building and Housing)

• Lead Safe Certification (City departments, State Certified Lead Risk Assessors) 

• Financial assistance for owners (LSCC and Community Development)

• Enforcement of Lead Safe Certification (B&H and Law Departments)

• Enforcement of Lead Hazard Control Orders (Health and Law Departments

  • • Financial assistance to owners. (Department of Community Development)

  • Mandatory testing of foster care homes and County facilities for children (County JFS)

  • Mandatory testing of schools and youth serving facilities. 

Test the Children

Problem: 

1. Children with elevated levels of lead in their blood may not be symptomatic...or the symptoms mimic common childhood conditions.

2. Many families are not receiving "well baby" checkups. 

3. Public health providers believe that child lead testing is Health Provider's problem.

Solutions: 

• Promote childhood lead testing. Examples include:

  • Training for health professionals about the need for child lead testing.

  • Frequent reminders to health care providers (Public Health Departments and Health Providers)

  • Training for child care providers, educators, and child welfare organizations. (Public Health Departments, Medical Educators, Children services organizations)

• Identify and fill gaps in Missed Opportunities!