Childhood Lead Poisoning Is Preventable
Lead poisoning can happen to anyone. Children under age 6 years are at a higher risk for lead poisoning because children’s growing bodies take in more lead than adults. No amount of lead is safe. Even small amounts of lead can harm a child’s brain. Children with lead poisoning do not always look or act sick. A blood test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning.
How Could My Child be Exposed to Lead?
Common sources of lead:
- Peeling or deteriorated paint in older homes
- Dirt outside
- Work clothes and shoes if household members work with lead
- Drinking water from lead service lines and faucets
- Some imported home remedies and imported cosmetics
- Some ceramic dishware
- Some imported candies, foods, and spices
- Some toys, jewelry, and other objects
- Polluted air (from aviation gas, shooting ranges, some industry and construction sites)
For more information on where lead may be found:
California Department of Public Health: Is There LEAD In or Around Your Home? English | Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese
For more information about lead air pollution:
California Department of Public Health: Lead Air Pollution English | Spanish
How You Can Keep Your Child Safe from Lead Exposure
- Wash hands often especially after playing outside, before eating, and sleeping.
- Wash toys often.
- Feed your child healthy foods like low-fat milk, dark leafy green vegetables, chicken, eggs, and berries.
- Foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C help to lower the amount of lead your child’s growing body takes in.
- Keep your home clean and dust free by wet mopping floors and wet wiping windowsills often.
- Talk to your child’s doctor about a blood lead test.
For more information on protecting children from lead exposure:
- California Department of Public Health: Protect Your Child from Lead English | Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese
- Orange County Health Care Agency Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides free case management and environmental investigations for children with elevated lead levels, community outreach, and education to keep you informed about lead poisoning and lead poisoning prevention. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) or call CLPPP at (714) 567-6220.
