Health Department

 

             513-357-7420                   

• Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, like its pliability and resistance to leaks which were useful in plumbing, it can be toxic to humans and animals, if ingested.

• Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that's hazardous to people of all ages. Once absorbed, it accumulates over time, causing serious, irreversible health issues. This can damage vital organ systems, including the kidneys, red blood cells, and the nervous system.

• Children, particularly those under the age of six, are the most susceptible to lead poisoning. Even the smallest amounts of lead can interfere with a child’s brain development resulting in a permanent reduction in intelligence and may cause behavioral and learning problems, as well as other health problems. There are few obvious signs a child has been lead-poisoned; the only way to know for sure is to have your child tested by his or her physician.

Blood lead testing 

For more information on lead poisoning, please call (513) 357-7420

OR

To make an appointment, please call (513) 803-3688

 

HEPA Vacuum Borrowing 

The Cincinnati Health Department rents out HEPA vacuums to Cincinnati Residents. Residents may borrow a HEPA vacuum up to six times a year for one-week periods to clean lead dust. A $100 deposit check (which will be refunded at the time of vacuum return) and a valid state identification card is required. Call to schedule an appointment at (513) 357-7420. 

 

Are you wondering if chipping paint around your home contains lead? The Cincinnati Health Department Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program can test paint chips from your home. Click HERE for more information on paint chip testing and to download the testing form.

 

If you are interested in looking up a consumer product for hazards, please see the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission lookup.

 

The Cincinnati Health Department Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has a federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that can help control lead paint, dust and soil hazards in residential properties. If you own residential property built before 1978, you may eligible to take part in this Lead Paint Hazard Control Program.

 

Click the links below for more information:

To view a registry of homes made lead-safe by the 2014-2017 HUD CLOSE Lead Hazard Control Program, click HERE.

Beginning in 2020, the Ohio Lead Abatement Tax Credit Program provides a state income tax credit to Ohio property owners who incur qualifying lead abatement costs in connection with an eligible dwelling. The tax credit is capped at $10,000.00 per taxpayer and per eligible dwelling. For more information about the Ohio Lead Abatement Tax Credit Program please visit the Ohio Department of Health Website.

 

It is federal law that contractors who disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent further lead contamination. You can look for a certified contractor in Ohio with the Environmental Licensing lookup or call 1-(800)-424-LEAD. Local lead abatement contractors can be found HERE.  For more information about renovating requirements please see the EPA guide to renovating right.

 

Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) does lead testing of water for free. If you would like to conduct a test, please fill out a Customer Request for Lead Analysis form. Due to high request volume, it may take up to a week to receive your kit. Analysis usually takes up to 2-4 weeks once GCWW receive the sample back. If lead is found, free water filters are provided and lead service line is scheduled if applicable.