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Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)

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CLPPP Services

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) is grant-funded through the State of California Department of Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch. CLPPP is dedicated to eliminating childhood lead poisoning and providing a healthy, lead-safe environment where all children can achieve their full potential. 

Lead is a toxic heavy metal used in many products over time. Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable environmental diseases in children. Preventing exposure to lead is critical. CLPPP provides case management and environmental investigations, community outreach, and education regarding environmental lead exposures. CLPPP aims to reduce lead hazards where children live, play, learn, and spend time.

There is no safe level of lead. Even small amount of lead can cause learning and behavior problems for children. Some of these health problems can last a lifetime, including: brain and nervous system damage, slow growth and development, and hearing and speech problems. Children with lead poisoning do not look or act sick. Blood testing is the only way to determine if a child has lead poisoning. Most private and public health insurance (including Medi-Cal) will pay for testing. 

  • For general questions or questions related to case management and/or environmental investigations, (714) 567-6220, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (except major holidays)
  • For questions related to abatement or complaints about unsafe lead practices, (714) 433-6000 (ask for an Environmental Professional), Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (except major holidays)


Orange County Resources and Publicly Supported Programs

  • Free Lead Hazard Removal - Please click on the flyer to see if you may qualify for lead hazard removal from your home at no cost.

Click here for information in Spanish and Vietnamese. 

Please share this 1-minute video 

about Lead Poisoning Prevention with your family, community and/or clients and patients.
English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVmkfIXKlk8
Spanish: https://youtu.be/0nmYMxHZwsY

 

Lead Service Line Replacement

The Environmental Protection Agency established the Lead and Copper Rule to protect public health and reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead and galvanized steel pipes, and brass or bronze faucets and fixtures. According to the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water: Lead Service Line Inventory, there are no lead service lines identified in Orange County. Therefore, there will be no replacement in Orange County at this time. 

Water service lines are the pipes and joints that connect the water main under the street to the plumbing in your home. Service lines that contain lead are called lead service lines. California public water utilities are replacing lead service lines that they own over the next ten years. Water utilities are not responsible for replacing private service lines and plumbing fixtures owned by the homeowner or customers served by private wells. Lead-containing pipes and fixtures on the privately-owned side of the property line may exist. Pre-2010 plumbing fixtures may contain lead and homes built during the 1960's and earlier may have galvanized water pipes that include lead. 

For more information about lead service line replacement in California or for tips to keep your family safe, please visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/LSLR.aspx

main_lead_responsibility

 

Recent Events and Resources

Staying Lead Safe During Covid

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) has developed a new web page, Resources for Staying Lead-Safe During COVID-19. The page includes resources to help families, schools, and child care providers learn more about lead poisoning, blood lead testing, and how to prevent lead exposure while they are likely spending more time at home during COVID-19. For children living in homes with lead hazards, this additional time spent at home may increase their risk for lead poisoning.

 

 

 
 

 

  • Medical Providers

    • CA Department of Public Health Filter Paper Testing for Blood Leaf Test Policy, Filter paper testing (ca.gov)

      • Filter paper testing for blood lead test has multiple issues of possible contamination that are well documented. Please discontinue its use.  

    • California Management Guidelines on Childhood Lead Poisoning for Health Care Providers

    • Standard of Care Guidelines on Childhood Lead Poisoning for California Health Care Providers

    • Blood Lead Test and Anticipatory Guidance

    • LCIA-waived Point-of-Care Blood Lead Testing Requirements in California
      According to Section 124130 of the California Health and Safety Code, users of any blood lead testing device are considered "laboratories" and must electronically report all blood lead results drawn in California to the EBLR System.
      1. Have a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, PPMP, Compliance, or Accreditation as appropriate to the level of testing offered by the laboratory.
      2. Be registered or licensed with the State of California, Laboratory Field Services.
      3. Electronically report all blood lead levels, for adults and children, along with specific required patient, health care provider, and test information to the State of California, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB). 

      In order to get the process started, the lab or healthcare provider using Point-of-Care blood lead resting device must provide their CLIA and State Clinical Registration. Please contact the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, LFScc@cdph.ca.gov, or (510) 620-3800, for questions and assistance. When your clinic is getting closer to in-house testing, please contact EBLRSupport@cdph.ca.gov or (510) 620-5683 for any questions about electronic reporting. They will help you set up your electronic reporting.
      We do not imply endorsement of the CLIA-waived Lead Care Analyzer™ device; however, it is used by many laboratories for point-of-care blood lead screenings. Here is a helpful link for contacting the manufacturer about purchase and product support, Magellan Diagnostics | Contact Us | Meridian Bioscience

    • More

    • Publications for Patients
      To order health education materials (free of charge), please contact our program at (714) 567-6220 or (714) 567-6237
 

Homeowners, Workers, Contractors, and Lead Professionals
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a lead hazard?
  2. How do I get tested for lead? Ask your healthcare provider for a blood lead test if you have health insurance. Some employers also offer periodic testing for employees who are exposed to lead on the job. If no health insurance, contact Health Referral Line, 1-800-564-8448, for community resources to find a low-cost or free medical clinic. 
  3. How do I get my house tested?
  4. What is the federal real estate disclosure for lead?
  5. Where can I get lead-related brochures?

Contact us for lead complaints related to sandblasting or unsafe lead work practices 714-433-6000

Additional Sources of Lead

Code and Building Inspectors

Contractors

Homeowners

Landlords/Tenants

YouTube Videos

  • Lead Revenge!  ¡La Venganza del Plomo! (A training video about lead paint and ladder safety by California Department of Public Health)
  • Wash Away the Lead, a fun song and video inspired by the 2011 California's theme for Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Children and adults can sing along and learn about sources of lead. 

 

 

Contact Us:

Telephone:  (714) 567-6220

Fax:  (714) 834-7702

Lead Program Services