Lead in the Water
The City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities has created an interactive map to show residents the possible presence of publicly owned lead service lines that provide water to homes, businesses, and other structures.
Dangers to Children
Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to its damaging effects. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead since they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them into their mouths.
Children may also be exposed by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead, inhaling dust from lead-based paint or contaminated soil, or from playing with toys containing lead paint or recalled toys. Current recalls can be found at www.cpsc.gov.
When should your child be tested? Review the Ohio Lead Testing Requirements and Medical Management Recommendations and talk with your child's healthcare provider about a simple blood lead test.
FCPH receives reports from ODH regarding children who have tested positive for elevated blood lead levels. We work with the families to conduct an inspection and help determine what lead risks may be in the home. There is no cost to the family for this inspection.