Recent Updates
- NEW Recalls for Products with Lead
- Learn about CDC’s updated blood lead reference value, CDPH’s response, and recommendations for California health care providers.(last updated 05/05/2022)
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.
Resources for Families
- Lead Information for Families
- BenefitsCal is a one-stop-shop for CalFresh (food assistance), CalWORKS (cash assistance), and Medi-Cal (health coverage) benefits for eligible California families and individuals.
- The California Department of Social Services CalFresh website provides information about the California food assistance program and how to apply for benefits. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) benefits may be eligible for CalFresh.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Explained: This article explains the federal nutrition program, including how to check eligibility for the program, how to apply, and how families can use SNAP benefits.
- Covered California: Medi-Cal and Covered California use the same application. This means families can apply once at CoveredCA.com to find out which program they qualify for. Some households qualify for both programs. Families already enrolled in Medi-Cal can learn about the new requirement to renew eligibility every year on Medi-Cal's “Keep Me Covered" web page.
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.