Public Health Recognizes Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Oct 20, 2025 02:19PM ● By Placer County News Release
AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Placer County Public Health is joining partners across the state in recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from Oct. 19 to 25. The statewide campaign, which this year has the theme ‘Nutrition as prevention,’ will include fact sheets, webinars and other educational materials about childhood lead poisoning.
Placer County has recorded more than three dozen cases of child lead poisoning so far in 2025. Staff with the county’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program partner with local businesses and community-based organizations like WIC and Head Start to promote awareness of lead poisoning. They also work to educate and assist families whose children have high blood lead levels, to determine the source and assess how to prevent future exposure.
"It's important for all kids who are at high risk to get blood lead testing,” said Dr. Rob Oldham, the county’s health officer and director of Health and Human Services.
Lead poisoning can seriously affect a child’s brain and nervous system. It can cause learning and behavioral problems. A blood lead test is the only way to identify lead poisoning in children. Children who receive Medi-Cal are eligible for free testing. Private health insurance plans also usually pay for the test.
One way to protect your family from lead is to emphasize good nutrition. Eating healthy meals and snacks can help keep your child safe from lead. Baked or broiled foods, leaner cuts of meat and more fresh fruits and vegetables are all good options.
In California, children can be exposed to lead by ingesting lead-contaminated dust, paint chips from deteriorating lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing and lead-contaminated soil. Other sources of lead poisoning include lead dust brought home on parents' work clothes, certain imported ceramic pottery, painted objects, traditional home remedies, traditional cosmetics, and imported spices, candies and other food products. Additionally, activities that involve lead products such as soldering, making stained glass and handling bullets or fishing sinkers can put children at risk.
Everyone is encouraged to get involved with Lead Week by participating in events and sharing resources about preventing childhood lead poisoning. To learn more about lead poisoning and how to prevent lead exposure, visit the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch's Frequently Asked Questions.
To connect with the county’s lead prevention program and request educational materials or ask questions, call 800-829-7199.
