Elevated Blood Lead Level (BLL)

Early Intervention, known as EI, is a statewide system that provides coordinated services to parents of eligible children under the age of 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. These children receive services based on their developmental needs and family’s priorities. The services, needs, and priorities are documented on the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. 

In Ohio, a child who has a confirmed elevated blood lead level (BLL) of five micrograms per deciliter or greater is automatically eligible for Early Intervention.

Lead Exposure and Child Development

• Children in Ohio are exposed to lead primarily through chipping and peeling paint and dust in homes built before 1978.
• Children under the age of 3 are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning because their brains and bodies are developing quickly, they absorb lead more easily than adults, and they are more likely to be crawling on floors and putting their hands and other objects in their mouths.
• Children who are exposed to lead can have learning issues, such as a lower attention span, behavioral concerns like hyperactivity, or even hearing loss.

Elevated BLLs and EI

• Any child with an elevated BLL of at least five micrograms per deciliter or developmental concern should be referred to EI. Anyone can refer a child to EI. You do not need the referral to come from a doctor. Referral is as simple as calling 1-800-755-GROW (4769) or referring online.
• Once the referral is made, an EI service coordinator will be assigned to the family. The service coordinator will collect information to document eligibility and coordinate a multi-disciplinary assessment looking at all of the child’s areas of development. This assessment will help determine the child’s and family’s strengths and needs. The IFSP team, which includes the family, will use this information to determine the outcomes the family wants to see for their child and the services needed to meet those outcomes. EI is voluntary and uses a family-centered approach to support families to make decisions based on their culture, values, priorities, and concerns.
• EI service providers can support families in many of the areas that research suggests can benefit families with children with elevated BLLs:
  • Connecting to resources to eradicate lead (such as identifying and linking to abatement resources, food, housing)
  • Assessing and assisting the family with improving the child’s natural learning environment where the child lives and plays
  • Assessing and providing information on the importance of healthy nutrition, hygiene, and development
  • Providing services for developmental conditions that may result from lead exposure such as hearing loss
  • Coordinating with pre-K special education services if appropriate or other services when the child transitions out of EI