This dataset contains data related to blood lead testing for Ohio children from 2016 to present. It is updated daily. Data from 2006 – 2015 are posted on the ODH website here.

Lead poisoning can have long-term detrimental health effects, especially for young children. Though no level of lead in the body is considered safe, medical attention is needed when a child under six years of age is confirmed to have an elevated blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or higher. When a confirmed elevated blood lead test is received for a child under the age of six, it triggers a public health lead investigation aimed at identifying and eliminating the lead exposure.

The purpose of this Data Warehouse module is to make childhood blood lead level data reported to the Ohio Department of Health more accessible to public health professionals and the general public. When viewing and interpreting the customizable graphs and tables, users should note the following:

1. Children tested more than once in a calendar year are shown only once in these data. Unless otherwise noted, blood lead levels reflect the highest confirmed test during the year if a confirmed test exists for a child, or the highest test for the year, otherwise (this is referred to in the data as “Best Test For Calendar Year”).


2. Only a venous blood draw may be classified as a confirmed test. Point-of-care devices can never confirm a child’s lead level, regardless of whether the sample is venous or capillary.


3. Units are µg/dL, or micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.


4. Data for a year are finalized by July 1 of the calendar year that follows. Before this date, any reported data may be added to and updated as laboratory test data are shared with the Ohio Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (e.g. 2017 data may change until July 1, 2018).

The Ohio Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OHHLPPP) provides program funding, public and professional education, public health lead investigations and case management (in collaboration with delegated local boards of health), data collection, and data analysis. The program addresses the needs of lead-poisoned children from birth through 6 years (72 months) of age. The program assists family members, medical care providers, and other community members to reduce and prevent lead poisoning.
Click here for more information on the Ohio Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program