Monroe County, Indiana

Blood Lead Testing

Free blood lead testing is available for children under 7 years old at the Monroe County Public Health Clinic. Call (812) 353-3244 to schedule an appointment.

Risk Assessment

The Monroe County Health Department has Lead Risk Assessors and Lead Inspectors on staff, licensed by the Indiana Department of Health, who can determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards. When there is a confirmed report of a child with an elevated blood lead level, a home visit and risk assessment are required where the risk assessors collect samples of dust, paint, soil, water, and other materials to help identify surfaces or items that contain lead.

XRF Testing

An XRF analyzer is a handheld device used to test painted surfaces instantly for the presence of lead. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing determines the concentration of lead in paint by utilizing x-rays that are emitted at the paint which create measurable energy bursts. There is no damage to the home or danger to the occupants when conducting XRF tests.

Free XRF testing is available for homeowners who have specific areas of concern regarding lead in their home.

Click Here to Request Free XRF Testing

What can you do to reduce blood lead levels?

• Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces and frequently wash a child’s hands, pacifiers and toys to reduce exposure to lead.
• Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking and for making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead, and most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not from the local water supply.
• Avoid using home remedies (such as azarcon, greta, pay-loo-ah) and cosmetics (such as kohl, alkohl) that contain lead.
• Take basic steps to decrease your exposure to lead (for example, by showering and changing clothes after finishing the task) if you remodel buildings built before 1978 or if your work or hobbies involve working with lead-based products.

Drinking Water and Lead

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) oversees Indiana's public water supply systems. If you are looking for information on drinking water and lead, please visit their website here.

EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Training

EPA requires anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in homes, child care facilities, and preschools built before 1978 be licensed through their Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program. Help prevent lead poisoning in Monroe County residents!

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