Childhood Lead Poisoning

The Lead Program in Orange County is run by the Environmental Health and Epidemiology programs. In addition to reporting children with high blood lead levels, they conduct home visits for children with lead poisoning and home and environment inspections. The equipment used in the environmental inspections quickly and accurately recognizes the presence of lead based paint and/or lead contaminated dust or soil. The Lead prevention team provides education and specific recommendations to the parent on how to decrease their child’s exposure to lead at the time of the visit. Quick identification of the source helps to decrease the child’s exposure to lead.

Parents are encouraged to have their children tested for lead poisoning. Remember, lead poisoning affects brain development and a child’s ability to learn.