Despite the general perception that lead poisoning is no
longer an important public health problem, it remains a serious, preventable
environmental health threat to young children. Elevated blood lead levels can
affect neurodevelopmental, intellectual, and cognitive outcomes. Health Home
Resources commissioned the RAND Corporation and OCD to examine the current
status of childhood blood level screening. The findings and recommendations in
this report are the result of a background study of the relevant literature, a
review of existing blood lead reporting and surveillance databases, interviews,
and focus groups.
Following publication of this report, OCD collaborated with
Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) of Philadelphia to educate
members of the General Assembly and engaged the PA Office of Medical Assistance
Programs to incorporate blood lead level screening in their "pay for
performance" program.