Board Login
We recently connected with Dr. Matthew Tien, a pediatrician at the MetroHealth System, who serves as a co‑clinical lead for the Lead Safe Screening & Testing Program. This program is part of the broader work of the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition.
Dr. Tien shared thoughtful insights about risk assessment and screening, home-based prevention practices, and provider-family communication. His full responses offer a deeper look at the work happening in our community to protect children and families.
Risk Assessment & Screening
At what ages do you recommend routine blood lead screening for children?
“All children who live in Cleveland are in a higher risk area for lead poisoning and at minimum should be tested at both 1 year of age and 2 years of age. Older children under 6 years of age who haven’t had a lead test before should also get a blood test done. Young children with elevated blood lead levels usually don’t have symptoms that are obvious to parents, so the only way to know your child is safe from lead is to do a blood test!”
Home-Based Prevention Practices
What advice do you give to families undergoing home repairs or renovations?
“If you live in an older home built before 1978, lead-based paint is probably in the home. Whenever possible, please hire a lead-safe certified contractor for home repairs and renovations. If not done properly, these activities are very likely to expose children to harmful lead. For families who still wish to do repairs and renovations on their own, they should use all the recommended precautions to ensure lead safety. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shared some tips that can be found here.”
Provider–Family Communication
What lead-related information do you believe parents most often misunderstand?
“Lead is still a danger in our community. Although lead poisoning is less frequent than it used to be, it is still something that families in Northeast Ohio should be aware of. There are resources to help families inspect their homes for lead and to make homes lead-safe if it is found, but families need to be aware of lead to even know to ask for help!”
What have you found to be most effective in convincing expectant parents to take steps to prevent lead poisoning during early childhood?
“The best way to fight lead poisoning is preventing it from ever happening in the first place. I like to tell expectant parents that one important step in preparing to bring a baby home from the hospital is making sure their home is lead-safe, the same way they would make sure they have a car seat, crib, diapers, etc.”
