Policy Tool Kit

Policy Tool Kit for Lead Safety:

(aka "it takes 3 to tango")

Promote Awareness

Problem: Families and citizens believe that lead poisoning is an issue of the past. Not my problem!

Solutions

Combat Lead Amnesia Syndrome.
Identify and overcome barriers to childhood lead testing. (Academics and advocates)
Education and Outreach to at risk communities and policy makers (Advocates, health, housing, social service and community based organizations)

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 (Building and Housing, 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 (County JFS)

Test the Children

Problem: Children with dangerous levels of lead in their blood, may not be symptomatic...or the symptoms mimic common childhood conditions.

Solutions:

Promote childhood lead testing. Examples include:
- Frequent reminders to health care providers (Health Departments)
- Training for
  health professionals, child care providers, child welfare organizations. (Health Departments, Medical Educators, Children services organizations)
Use mobile units in unconventional locations with convenient hours of service. (Health Department, Social service providers).
Mandatory testing of children in Foster care (County JFS)
Mandatory testing of WIC enrolled moms and babies. (County JFS)
Enact and promote Universal child lead testing requirements and lower the threshold for public health inspections. (Policy makers: State, city, advocates)

Lead Pipe Replacement

Lead in Schools