Because even small amounts of lead can harm a child's brain, kidneys and stomach. Lead poisoning can slow a child's development and cause learning and behavior problems.

A child could have lead poisoning and not feel sick. Or a child may have stomach aches, headaches, a poor appetite or trouble sleeping or be cranky, tired or restless.

A blood test is the only way to find out if a child has too much lead. You should have your child tested at 12 months of age and again at 24 months of age. If your child has never had a lead test, they should be tested.

Call your doctor and make an appointment to have your child tested today. Below you will find information that you can print off and take to your doctor's office that explains the Medicaid requirements around lead testing for children. Also if you need additional help understanding what you need to do to get your child tested for lead, we have included a list of County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) Healthchek Coordinators who can assist you.

Lead poisoning is caused by breathing or swallowing lead.  Lead can pass from a mother to her unborn baby. For more information, use these these resources provided by the Ohio Department of Health:

• Prenatal Risk Assessment for Lead
• Pregnancy, Lead and Your Baby, What you should know
• Identification and management of lead exposure in pregnant and lactating women.