Lead Safety for Children & Families

Where Does Lead Come From?

In Your Home

• Paint in homes built before 1978 – When old paint chips or peels, it creates lead dust.
• Drinking water – Lead can get into water from old pipes or plumbing fixtures.
• Soil around your home – Especially near old buildings or busy roads.
• Dust – Lead paint dust settles on floors, windowsills, and toys.

Everyday Items

• Some imported products like pottery, candies, spices, traditional medicines, and cosmetics.
• Toys – Some older or imported toys may contain lead paint.

Work or Hobbies

• Construction work, especially renovating old homes
• Auto repair with old car parts
• Making or creating stained glass or pottery

How Lead Hurts Children

Brain & Learning

• Trouble focusing or behavioral issues
• Trouble in school with reading and math
• Speech and language delays
• Hearing problems

Physical Health

• Slowed growth
• Kidney damage
• Stomach problems
• Muscle and joint pain

Why Children Are at Higher Risk

• Their brains are still developing—lead damage during these early years can be permanent
• Children absorb more lead than adults (40-50% of what they swallow)
• They crawl on floors, put things in their mouths, and play where lead dust settles

The younger the child, the more harmful lead can be. Babies and toddlers are at highest risk. Most children with lead poisoning look healthy. Testing is the only way to know if your child has been exposed.

For Families

Get Your Child Tested

Your child’s doctor will test them or order testing at:

• 12 months old
• 24 months old
• At least once before age 6 if they missed these tests

Your child may need extra testing if:

• They live in a home built before 1978
• Other children in your home have had high blood lead levels

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health does not perform lead testing. Your doctor handles all testing.

Understanding Test Results

If the first test (finger-prick) shows high lead:

• Your child will need a blood draw from the arm to confirm the results
• This confirmation test is required at any level of 3.5 or higher

If the blood draw confirms a level of 3.5 or higher:

• Call us at 616-393-4444—we’re here to help
• A nurse will visit your home to:
  • Check on your child’s health and development
  • Help find where lead might be coming from
  • Connect you with resources
• You qualify for a free lead inspection of your home

Can I decline testing for my child?

Yes. Your doctor will note this in your child’s medical records.

For Healthcare Providers

Universal Lead Testing Requirements (Effective April 30, 2025)

Test all children at:

• 12 months old
• 24 months old
• At least once before age 6 if they missed these tests

Additional testing required for children who:

• Live in homes built before 1978, or
• Live where other children have elevated lead levels
• Test at least once between their most recent test and age 6

Venous Confirmation Requirement

• ALL elevated capillary tests (≥3.5 μg/dL) MUST be confirmed with venous testing
• This applies regardless of how slight the elevation
• OCDPH does NOT perform lead testing but monitors all reported results
• Venous confirmation must be documented before case management can begin

Key Notes

• All physicians treating minors must comply, regardless of specialty
• Parents may decline testing; document in medical record
• Verify prior testing through Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR)
• Blood lead testing is covered as preventive care under the ACA

Provider Questions?

• Child status/services: Leslie Ver Duin, (616) 393-4444, lverduin@miottawa.org
• MDHHS Lead Program: (517) 335-8885, MDHHS-CLPPP@michigan.gov

Resources for Providers

• MDHHS Lead Safe
• FAQ for Physicians
• MDHHS Clearinghouse for Lead Education Materials
• MDHHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
• Who Does What Flyer

Additional Resources

• Michigan Lead Safe
• MDHHS Lead Program: (517) 335-8885