Public Health > Children's Medical Services > Lead Program

     Lead poisoning can be very harmful to children. Children under 5 are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning, including lower IQ levels. Lead can be inhaled or injested, and the levels of lead build up in a person's blood.

     The CLPPP's goals are:
          • Educate the public about the dangers of lead
          • Assist families in eliminating sources of lead in their homes

     If you think your child has been exposed to lead, that your house contains sources of lead, or if your child demonstrates any of the symptoms of lead poisoning, please call our program at 1-800-346-6520.

     A lead test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning!

Our Program

Health Education

Presentations
The CLPPP provides presentations about lead poisoning to the general community, schools, parent groups, healthcare providers, pregnant women, and others interested in learning more about lead. Presentations are available in both English and Spanish.

Educational materials
The CLPPP provides free educational materials about lead poisoning, including topics such as sources of lead, reducing the risk of lead poisoning, pregnancy, and nutrition. These materials are available upon request. Materials are available in both English and Spanish.

Case Management

Follow-up
The CLPPP provides follow-up on children with elevated lead levels. Families are provided with education and advice about lead poisoning and children are monitored to be sure that necessary re-testing is performed and that blood lead levels decrease.

Home visits
The CLPPP will visit the homes of those children who have lead levels above 20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dl) or two blood lead results above 15 ug/dl. Our public health nurse will look for sources of lead in the home and educate parents on removing that source so that the children are no longer exposed to lead. Follow-up is also provided for these children.