Lead Poisoning

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

The goal of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is to reduce the incidence of lead poisoning in children, youth and young adults in Calaveras County through education, information and referrals. The program coordinates with local medical providers to assure testing and treatment services are available and the source of lead exposure is assessed. There are no eligibility requirements for this program.

The objectives of the program are to:

Educate the community on the health risks of lead exposure and lead poisoning.
Reduce the rate of lead poisoning in children, youth, and young adults.
Coordinate with local medical providers to assure testing and treatment services are available to the community.
Provide educational services by way of presentations, lead poisoning prevention handouts, and coordination with local agencies.
Coordinate with local and state authorities to ensure that identified lead hazards are identified and eliminated.

Obtain a blood lead test

Health effects of lead exposure

Well Fed = Less Lead

Interactive Section

Feeding your child iron, calcium, and vitamin C rich foods could help prevent lead poisoning. True or False?

True. Feeding children a healthy diet help prevent lead from being absorbed by the body.

For more information please visit: Eat Right

The only way to get your child tested for lead poisoning is to get a blood lead test. True or False?

True. If you suspect your child has been exposed to lead, please contact your physician to obtain a blood lead test.

For more information please visit: Getting your child tested for lead

Lead poisoning only comes from eating paint chips. True or False?

False. Lead can be found in soil, water, food, cosmetics, toys, jewelry and traditional medicine. Lead can also be found in jobs and hobbies that have high exposure to lead. Lead can be absorbed by breathing in or swallowing items that have lead.

For more information please visit: Sources of lead

Children and pregnant women are more at risk for lead poisoning True or False?

True. Children and women are more at risk for more severe impacts from lead poisoning that can cause developmental delays to children and unborn children.

For more information please visit: Lead poisoning in pregnant women and children

Lead poisoning cannot be treated True or False?

False. Lead poisoning can be treated by removing the source of contamination and contacting your doctor for more information. However, prevention is important because lead poisoning can harm a child’s brain and cause learning and behavior problems that may last a lifetime.

For more information please visit: Lead poisoning fact sheet

Is there a safe level of lead for children?

There is no known safe level of lead, this is why it is dangerous for children and pregnant women to be exposed. Lead poisoning can harm the brain, bones, and internal organs of developing children.

For more information please visit: Lead poisoning