The mission of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by identifying and caring for lead burdened children, and preventing environmental exposures to lead. Our vision is to promote a healthy, lead-safe environment where all children can achieve their full potential.

The Santa Cruz County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) is a state mandated program established by the Department of Health Services. The purpose of the program is to identify and medically manage elevated child blood lead level cases, develop programs to educate the public and health care providers, and adopt regulations governing the cleanup of lead paint in housing. The program is largely funded through lead industry fees collected by the State Board of Equalization.

Who is Eligible for Services?

CLPPP provides blood lead testing for children aged zero to 20 years 11 months through CHDP or Medi-Cal Managed Care.

CLPPP provides services to the community for the purpose of increasing awareness regarding the hazards of lead exposure and working towards an increase in the number of children tested for blood lead poisoning. CLPPP staff performs telephone consultation and referral, home visitation, environmental home inspection and nutritional assessments for families of lead-poisoned children as appropriate for their blood lead levels. The CLPPP provides information and written educational materials to the general public, medical providers and community–based organizations. 

CLPPP also performs the following functions:

• Case Management
• Lead Testing Coordination
• Provider Outreach & Education
• Blood Lead Screening Certification
• Community Outreach & Education
• Environmental Lead Investigation
• County Lead Statistics
• Occupational Lead Referral

• Lead in Paint
• Lead in Soil
• Lead in the Workplace
• Lead in Home Remedies
• Lead in Imported Ceramics
  • Lead in Pottery Information Sheet
  • Click here for information about lead check swabs to check your cookware
• Testing your child for lead poisoning
• Blood Lead Levels - What do they mean?
• How to Prevent Lead Poisoning
• Food Tips to Help Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning

• Marin County Toy Recall Lead Web Site
• 06/13/07: RC2 Corp. Recalls Various Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 06/12/07: Silver Stud Earrings Sold Exclusively at Kmart Recalled by Crimzon Rose Accessories Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 05/31/07: Children’s Metal Jewelry Sold at Limited Too and Justice Stores Recalled by Tween Brands Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 05/30/07: Toy Drums Recalled by The Boyds Collection Ltd. Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 05/23/07: AAFES Recalls "Soldier Bear" Toy Sets Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 05/16/07: Troy-Bilt Recalls Children's Gardening Gloves Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 05/15/07: High Lead Levels Prompt Recall of Children's Metal Jewelry By Spandrel Sales and Marketing Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 05/15/07: Children's Rings Recalled By Cardinal Distributing Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
• 09/07/06: Atico International USA Recalls 9-Foot Patio Umbrellas Sold at Longs Drug Stores for Lead Hazard
• 03/23/06: Reebok Recalls Heart-shaped Bracelets
• 03/01/06: The Little Tikes Co. Recalls Animal-Shaped Flashlights Containing Lead Paint Sold at Target

• 02/23/06: Metal Charms Recalled for Lead Poisoning Hazard to Children

• 02/09/06: New regulations regarding disposal of electronic devices, batteries, etc.

• 08/31/05: A Back to School Warning:
  Children’s Vinyl Lunch Boxes Can Contain Dangerous Levels of Lead

• 04/10/04: Chaca Chaca: Mexican Candy Found to have high Lead levels

• 08/14/03: Unusually High Lead Levels Found in Ayurvedic Medicine

• 05/04/01: Trends in Blood Lead Levels Among Children