Recent Updates
- NEW Learn about CDC’s updated blood lead reference value, CDPH’s response, and recommendations for California health care providers.
- NEW Magellan LeadCare® Recall Information
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NEW Lead-Related Construction - Certification Renewal - Regulatory Reminder and Notice of Grace Period
Lead Poisoning
Lead is a toxic metal that has been used in many products over time. Even in small amounts, lead can have harmful effects on the body, which may lead to lifelong learning, behavioral, reproductive, cardiovascular, and other health problems. While many leaded products have been phased out, lead may still be found in and around older homes and buildings, in certain occupations and hobbies, and some consumer products, remedies, and foods. Lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental illnesses in California, but is completely preventable.
- Paint
- Drinking Water
- Foods, Cosmetics and Medicines
- Soil
- Consumer Products
- Jobs, Hobbies, or Activities
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. The most important step that parents and caregivers, healthcare providers, and public health professionals can take is to prevent lead exposure before it occurs
The Marin County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works towards eliminating childhood lead poisoning and promoting lead-safe work practices. Lead-based paint is of a particular concern in Marin County, where more than 74% of the housing was built before 1978. The older the home, the more likely that there are high levels of lead in the paint. Chipping paint, flaking paint, or paint that is being scraped, sanded, or disturbed during remodeling or repairing can create lead dust.
Take Steps to Prevent Lead Exposure:
- Make sure your home is lead safe: see Checklist
- Make sure products used do not contain lead
- Give you child healthy foods Make Healthier Choices (ca.gov)
- Calcium is in milk, yogurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables like spinach
- Iron is in lean red meats, beans, peanut butter, and cereals.
- Vitamin C is in oranges, green and red peppers, and juice
- Don’t take Lead Home from Your Job (ca.gov)
- Talk to our child’s Medical Provider about Lead Testing
Providers
If you have a child patient with a venous blood lead level result of ≥4.5 mcg/dL, please contact us directly with patient information.