Lead Poisoning Prevention and Education Program (LPPEP) at UPMC in Central Pa.

UPMC in Central Pa. continuously serves their surrounding communities through childhood lead education and prevention efforts. UPMC in Central Pa. accepts referrals for children with elevated blood lead levels (EBLL) up to age twenty. The UPMC in Central Pa. Lead Poisoning Prevention and Education Program (LPPEP) will offer lead prevention education and environmental home inspections to families of affected children.

Using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, lead levels of 3.5mcg/dL or greater can be referred for contact and follow-up for lead poisoning prevention education and/or a home Environmental Investigation (EI). Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to lead to multiple educational, behavioral, and medical problems and the effects of lead exposure cannot be corrected. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

Providing education and interventions to prevent toxic lead levels before negative outcomes occur is vital to prevention of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning prevention and lead education information via phone, including literature about lead prevention is free for all, and client referrals are welcomed.

Read more about how to get tested (PDF)

There is no charge for Medical Assistance clients, and a sliding fee scale will be applied for non-MA clients.

Finding the sources of the lead helps to halt the progression of its toxicity. We provide education about how to break the barrier of lead to mouth contact for overall health. A detailed Lead Risk Assessment report is produced for the family, landlord if applicable, city codes department, State Health Nurse, and the child's physician. This report helps identify the source of lead and potential ways to fix the problem.

We also help families with referrals to social service agencies that provide additional resources and support, such as Pennsylvania Early Intervention and Head Start.

We offer these services to at risk children and their families living within several Central Pa. counties. Together we can make a positive difference in child health by lowering the number of children with lead poisoning.

Anyone can refer a child with elevated lead levels of 3.5mcg/dL or greater to our program by:

Phone- 717-782-6443 or 717-782-4608
Fax- 717-782-2709
Email- pn_lead@upmc.edu