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С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County is committed to protecting children from the harmful effects of lead exposure. When a child is diagnosed with lead poisoning or elevated blood lead levels, С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Environmental Health and Safety Division inspectors conduct thorough investigations to identify and eliminate the source of lead.
 

What to expect during an investigation

When a child is diagnosed with confirmed lead poisoning, С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County is legally required to investigate the child’s home and other places they spend large amounts of time. For children with elevated blood lead levels (EBLs), investigations are strongly recommended, but participation is voluntary. If a family agrees to an investigation, С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County inspectors will visit the home to take environmental samples and check for potential lead hazards. The investigation may take several hours as inspectors carefully examine the home, looking for sources of lead exposure.  They will use a device called an XRF to test areas like walls and windowsills for lead.  They may also take samples of items such as spices, cultural items or traditional remedies for testing at a lab.  The inspectors will also take water samples to check for lead contamination in the home’s plumbing system. 

During the investigation, inspectors will work directly with the family to explain the process, answer questions and provide recommendations for reducing lead risks in the home. Families participating in these investigations will receive free safety kits designed to help minimize lead exposure and encourage lead-safe practices in the home. The investigation is provided at no cost.

Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable environmental health problem in the United States. About a million children in the United States have blood lead levels of at least 10 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL), a level high enough to adversely affect their intelligence, behavior and development. It is important that parents with children under the age of six have their child’s blood tested for lead exposure at their pediatrician's office.

Lead-based paint is the most common lead poisoning hazard and is often found in older homes. It can flake and generate dust that children can ingest through hand-to-mouth activity.

Buildings that were constructed prior to 1978 could contain lead-based paint. Renovation work to repair non-intact lead paint should be performed by a certified lead renovator.

Other common sources of lead exposure include:

• Herbs and spices that were grown in soils contaminated with lead
• Vinyl mini-blinds sold before 1997
• Some candies imported from Mexico and Asia
• Bullets and batteries
• Some toys and toy jewelry
• Old water pipes
• Lead glaze in some ceramic containers, cookware or tableware
• Some imported cosmetics, including Kohl, Surma and Sindoor
• Some home remedies (e.g., Greta and Azarcon)
• Some ceremonial powders, including Kumkum, Rangoli and Vibhuti

Childcare facilities and lead screening

Childcare facilities in С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County are also part of our lead prevention efforts. There are over 380 childcare centers in С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County, and all are required to test their water for lead at regular intervals. С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Health Inspectors monitor for chipping paint at older childcare centers during routine inspections and refer the center to our Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Team if a hazard is suspected.  If a child involved in a lead investigation has spent significant time in a childcare facility, that facility will also be included in the investigation process.

Buildings that were constructed prior to 1978 could contain lead-based paint. If a childcare center is located in a building constructed before 1978, it is required to undergo inspection for lead-based paint. If a new childcare center wishes to open in such a building, С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County will conduct a thorough investigation during the Plan Review process to ensure that the facility is free from lead hazards before children are allowed to attend.

Lead Resource Links: