Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
Promoting a healthy, lead-safe environment
where all children can achieve their full potential
Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body, and often occurs with no obvious symptoms. CLPPP provides services to the community to reduce lead exposure by increasing awareness around lead exposure hazards and increasing the number of children tested for lead poisoning.
Lead in its natural form
Lead Poisoning
There is no safe level of lead and even small amounts in a child’s body can cause learning and behavior problems. High amounts of lead can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and other major organs. Children under six years old and unborn babies are at greatest risk of harmful effects from lead poisoning. Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick. The only way to know for sure is to have a blood test. Blood lead testing is a benefit of Medi-Cal, CHDP well-child exam, and most other health insurance. Ask your doctor if your child has not been tested. All children should be tested at 12 and 24 months old.
CLPPP Services by Public Health Nurse or Environmental Health Specialist include:
- Home visits to children with high blood lead levels. Environmental home inspections can identify possible sources of lead in the home and test items such as paint, soil, and food products.
- Nurses provide case management, health education, lead level monitoring, and encourage medical follow-up as needed.
- Assist medical providers to manage lead poisoning in their patients.
- Follow-ups with homeowners as needed to ensure elimination of lead sources in the home and the surrounding area.
- Provide recommendations to families to reduce contact with lead.
More Information for Parents and Caregivers
Young children are at the highest risk for lead poisoning because they play and crawl inside, outside, and often put hands and toys in their mouths. Buildings built before 1978, soil, dust, and certain household and foods items may be a source of lead to your child. If you are pregnant, your unborn baby could be harmed by lead.
10 Tips for a Lead-Safe Family: English Spanish
To get more information to help prevent lead poisoning, click on the links below: