Monongalia County Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children (MCHD WIC) program has expanded lead testing conducted in Harrison County since early 2023 to Monongalia and Marion counties, to anyone older than 1.
Harrison County testing began in response to a public water pipe issue when lead was found in older pipes.
In addition to pipes, lead can be found in old paint used prior to 1977, when lead-based paint was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The testing, an easy finger stick, is available for anyone 1 or older. High levels of lead can lead to growth and intellectual development issues in children.
Jobs that expose people to lead include painting, construction, home remodeling, radiator repair and battery or scrap metal recycling are among the reasons that adults might want to consider getting tested, in addition to living in older homes with outdated paint and/or water pipes.
Individuals with insurance will have their insurance billed; for those without insurance, the test will be funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the West Virginia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, part of the state Department of Health and Human Resources. More info about the relationship between the CDC and local health departments fighting high lead levels can be found here.
To make an appointment for testing, call 304-598-5181 in Monongalia County; 304-366-2387 in Marion County and 304-848-9680 in Harrison County.