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Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

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The Risks of Lead The California State Department of Health Services estimates that one in five California children under age six (roughly 430,000 children) are at risk of lead poisoning because they live in pre-1950 housing and are exposed to lead from paint chips and dust, the most common sources of all exposures. Lead is toxic to the human body in almost any amount, especially to young children. Lead is a poison that has no physiological use in the human body. It is especially toxic to children under 6 years of age. Children with elevated lead levels are far more to develop poor health and impaired mental abilities than non-exposed children. To protect California's children from the effects of lead poisoning, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides outreach and education focused in high risk neighborhoods, trainings on lead hazard reduction and case finding activities. Approximately 20 children a year receive comprehensive case management and hazard investigation. Additionally, about 35 other children with slight to moderate elevations are tracked. Education and counseling is provided for these families. Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Description Program Goal: The goal of the San Mateo County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is to reduce the number of children exposed to lead and intervene with those diagnosed with lead poisoning. Program Objectives: •  Raise awareness of the risks of lead exposure for clients and providers •  Increase the number of children who are tested for lead •  Identify and reduce sources of lead in San Mateo County •  Intervene with those diagnosed with lead poisoning Program Components: Screening and Testing •  Assist high risk families in receiving get lead tests •  Inform pediatric providers of their responsibilities regarding lead screening and lead test follow up •  Provide training and assistance for on-site capillary lead testing Case Management and Monitoring •  Conduct initial phone assessment for lead source identification for all children with elevated blood lead levels (EBLs). •  Conduct timely, comprehensive home and source investigations and follow up for all children that meet the State definition of "Lead Poisoned". •  Provide education and counseling on lead hazard reduction to families identified with EBL children . •  Connect case-managed and tracked families to needed services such as WIC, Medi-Cal, CCS, childcare and housing Outreach and Education •  Raise awareness about sources of lead and lead testing for children under 6 in high risk populations •  Educate client populations and service providers about lead poisoning risks, prevention measures and resources to reduce lead hazards •  Collaborate with community groups that provide services to children at risk of EBL •  Conduct door-to-door outreach in neighborhoods most at risk •  Conduct presentations on lead, healthy homes, lead-safe work practices and other lead-related issues to clients, providers, physicians and landlord/tenant groups. Information and Referral We respond to requests from a variety of  family service providers and community members by providing materials on: •  How to Protect Families from Lead Poisoning •  Paint and Soil Hazards •  Lead-safe Work Practices •  Simple Measures to Reduce Lead Exposure •  Ceramics and Lead •  Home remedies •  Lead-safe Home Remodeling and Repainting •  Nutrition and Lead Poisoning Surveillance and Data Management We manage our RASSCLE database that keeps track of children with elevated blood lead levels. We gather and analyze data regarding the characteristics of the children with EBLs and sources of lead in San Mateo County. Common Sources of Lead Poisoning •  Old lead-based paint, paint dust and paint chips •  Soil •  Contaminated dust and debris •  Certain kinds of pottery and imported dishes •  Some home remedies •  Consumer products such as vinyl miniblinds, some toys, cosmetics •  Mexican candies •  Metal jewelry and charms •  Painted or metal toys •  Spices such as chili and tamarind Internet resources for additional information Get the Lead Out: Tips for a Lead-Safe Holiday [pdf] American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAPs) web site has excellent information on many aspects of children's health from birth through the teen years. Included are safety tips, parenting, self-care information and more. Consumer Products Safety Commission The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has information about consumer products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The site contains information in Spanish. KidsHealth This is a site devoted to the health of children and teens. It is interactive and makes it fun for kids to learn about health. There are sections for kids, parents and professionals. Includes games, publications, health and medical information and much more.   Contact Information Alicia Goldstein, Public Health Nurse Case Management Coordinator Phone: (650) 573-2335 FAX: (650) 573-2859 updated: 2/28/08