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Program Details

Family Health Services

Divisions / Family Health Services / Programs and Services / Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program / Program Details
The Lead Prevention Program’s mission is to prevent lead exposure for young children. Family Health Services provides case management support around reducing lead exposure, as well as other preventative services that families may need, such as referrals to community resources. Home visits and services are provided by public health nurses and senior community workers.

Services include:

  • Home visit to identify triggers and provide education around preventing exposure
  • Developing a plan with families to address concerns
  • Support around scheduling blood level lead tests
  • Collaboration with medical providers and County Health’s Environmental Health Services

What is the risk?

Children under six years old are at greatest risk of harmful health effects from lead poisoning because their brains and nervous system are still forming. Lead can lead to anemia and even small amounts of lead in the body can make it hard for children to learn, pay attention, and succeed in school. Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick. Symptoms, if present, may be confused with common childhood complaints, such as stomach aches, crankiness, headaches, or loss of appetite. Higher amounts of lead exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and other major organs. Very high exposure can lead to seizures or death.

There are many common sources of lead. Some examples include:

  • If your home was built before 1978, interior/exterior paint may contain lead. Children may eat paint chips or chew on surfaces, windows, walls, etc.
  • Lead contaminated soil where children play.
  • Work clothes or equipment.
  • Imported home remedies, cosmetics, pottery, ceramics, utensils, glazed food containers, candy, food, spices, may contain lead.