Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) helps keep
children safe from lead.
CLPPP works to find and stop lead
exposure and care for children who have lead poisoning.
CLPPP services include nurse case management, home inspections for lead, and education for families, community groups, and health care providers.
This work follows the California Health and Safety Code Sections 105275-105310 (Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act of 1991).
On This Page:
Recent
Updates | Overview of Lead
Poisoning | Common Sources of Lead
Poisoning | Contact Us
| What is lead poisoning? | Lead poisoning happens when lead builds up in the body. This usually happens from breathing in lead dust or eating or drinking something with lead. |
|---|---|
| Who is most at risk? | Children under 6 absorb lead more easily and are harmed by it more quickly. |
| How does it happen? | Lead poisoning can happen slowly over time or suddenly if someone is exposed to a lot of lead. Most children with lead poisoning do not look or feel sick. The only way to know is through a blood test. |
| Why is it dangerous? | There is no safe amount of lead in the body. Even small amounts can cause lifelong learning and behavior problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (3.5 mcg/dL) or higher to identify children with high blood lead levels. |
| Can it be treated? | Treatment can help, but most damage caused by lead is permanent. The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. |
Lead-based paint on older homes, buildings, furniture, and
fixtures built before 1978.
Some traditional, folk, and Ayurvedic remedies and cosmetics such as Surma, Kohl, Azarcon, Greta, Ghasard, and Daw-Tway have been found to contain lead.
Handmade or imported pottery, terra cotta, decorative dishware, and antiques may contain leaded paint or glaze.
Take-home exposure: jobs like auto repair, construction, metal work, or shooting ranges can expose workers to lead, which may be carried home on clothes, shoes, equipment, or cars.
Soil near roadways or factories may be contaminated by past leaded gasoline use and industrial pollution.
Spices, such as chili, tamarind, and turmeric have been found to contain lead.
Imported candy or food, especially candies containing chili and/or tamarind as well as chapulines (toasted grasshoppers). Lead can be in the candy, spices, wrapper, or container.
Imported food in cans that are sealed with lead solder. Food cans with lead solder often have wide seams.
Metal jewelry and accessories. Lead has been found in inexpensive children’s jewelry sold in vending machines as well as costume jewelry designed for adults.
For more information, contact the
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (619) 692-8487
or send us an e-mail.
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