Can lead hurt my child?

Yes, it can. Children who have lead poisoning can get very sick. Children can get sick if they eat lead paint or breathe lead in dust. Children who get sick from lead may have trouble learning in school.

When should my child get tested for lead poisoning?

• If your child is in a publicly supported program (Medi-Cal, CHDP, Health Families, and WIC) they should be tested at both 1 and 2 years of age. 
  

• If your child is not in a publicly supported program and is between 1 and 6 years of age, his or her medical provider should ask:
   
  "Does your child live in, or spend a lot of time in, a place built before 1978 that has peeling or chipped paint or that has been recently renovated?" 
  
  

  • If the answer to the question is "yes" or "don't know" a blood test should be ordered.

What if my child never got tested between 1 and 2 years of age?

If a child between 1 and 6 years of age was neither tested nor asked the risk evaluation question at 1 and 2 years of age, the medical provider must do it as soon as he or she becomes aware it was not done at the appropriate time. The medical provider also should order a blood test if it appears a change in circumstances has put a child at risk.

Can my child get a free blood test for lead poisoning?

If you have Medi-Cal or if you are in the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP), the test is free when your child gets a check-up. Many private health insurance plans also will pay for this test.

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   Mailing Address: County of Santa Cruz  Health Services Agency
   1080 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | Phone: 831 454 4000 | Fax: 831 454 4770
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