LEAD Poisoning in Children is 100% Preventable

Childhood Lead Poisoning is preventable. Testing children can prevent future learning and behavioral problems caused by lead poisoning. The Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program’s theme for this year is “Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning. Learn Where Lead Can Be”. The campaign educates families and community members about ways to prevent lead poisoning and the importance of testing children for lead. As part of the campaign against lead poisoning, CDPH is offering a local lecture series in March on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention by Dr. Jean Woo from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Lectures are available for medical providers and their staff. If you would like to attend a lecture or want more information please call 1-800-722-3777. “The purpose of this campaign is to remind parents that lead poisoning can be detrimental to young children’s health and development. It is important for parents to ask their child’s doctor about lead testing,” stated Dr. Ohikhuare, County Health Officer. “Lead poisoning can seriously affect a child’s brain and nervous system. It can cause learning and behavioral problems. A blood lead test is the only way to identify and confirm lead poisoning in children.” In California, children can be exposed to lead by ingesting lead-contaminated dust, paint chips from deteriorating lead-based paint, and lead-contaminated soil. Other sources of lead poisoning include lead dust brought home on parents’ work clothes, certain imported ceramic pottery, and traditional home remedies among others. Imported candies or foods, especially from Mexico, containing chili or tamarind may contain lead. Additionally, activities that involve lead products, such as soldering, making stained glass, and handling bullets or fishing sinkers can put children at risk. Parents and caregivers of young children are invited to visit www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/clppb for more information and ways to protect their children from this silent and serious environmental disease. If you would like to schedule a free lead inspection of your home please call 909-383-3052. If the inspector identifies lead-based paint hazards at your home, he will review abatement options with you and provide available resources for lead hazard control services. The Lead Poisoning Prevention campaign supports the Countywide vision for an overall vibrant County –“all leading to a healthy population with a high quality of life.” Be sure to look out for the programs bus card displays inside local Omni Trans buses. For more information contact the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 909-383-3022 or visit our webpage at http://www.sbcounty.gov/dph.