Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire
Lead Hazards
Lead was banned from use in residential paint in 1978 and from gasoline in the early 1980's, yet today lead poisoning remains the number one PREVENTABLE environmental health threat to children. According to the 2000 census more than 7,000 children are at high risk in Allen County. Even a single high exposure to lead can cause poisoning with irreversible damage to the nervous system, resulting in reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. In the most severe cases seizures, coma, and even death may result.
Everyone with children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years should answer the lead risk questionnaire below.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions,
it is in the best interest of your child to have a lead screen.
This can be done by your doctor or call (260)449-7514 for an
appointment at the Allen County Department of Health.
2. Does the child live in or regularly visit a ZIP code determined to be at high risk for lead poisoning? (46802, 46806, 46807, 46808)
3. Does the child live in or regularly visit a home or day care center built before 1978 with peeling and/or chipping paint?
4. Does the child have a sibling or playmate being treated for lead poisoning?
5. Does the child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead? (Includes home repairs, auto repairs, furniture refinishing, firing ranges, casting lead fishing sinkers, and boat repairs.)
6. Does the child live near a busy street, an active lead smelter, or other industry likely to release lead?
7. Does the family use imported or glazed ceramics for food preparation, storage or dinnerware? Are there any home remedies used such as tahanakha?
8. Does the child have medical findings consistent with lead poisoning? (This includes any development delay, speech delay, anemia, hyperactivity, stomach aches, trouble with being potty trained or undiagnosed seizures.)
Healthy Homes Risk Assessment Questionnaire
Everyone needs a healthy home. Since most people spend 90% of their time indoors• it is important to make sure that the air inside your home is safe and that there are not other environmental conditions that keep your home from being a healthy and safe place to live.
The questions below will help you determine whether or not you have home hazards that need to be addressed.
If you need help contact the Healthy Homes Program Hotline at 449-8600.
2. Are extension cords kept to a minimum and covered to avoid tripping?
3. Are there working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with good batteries in the house?
4. Are there any signs of cockroaches, rats and mice, or other pests present?
5. Does anyone smoke in the house?
6. Are there handrails present and good lighting in all areas where there are three or more steps?
7. Are there signs of moisture or mold present in the house?
8. Are electrical outlets safely covered?
9. Is the house clean and free of clutter?
10. Are medications, household chemicals, or other poisons stored where children cannot reach them?