Lead Risk Is Real and Remains a Hidden Risk for Young Children

Lead Risk Is Real and that’s why Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) is raising awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and reminding families that lead poisoning remains a serious, but preventable, health risk for young children.

Many people believe lead poisoning is a problem of the past, but children in Sacramento County continue to be identified with elevated blood lead levels each year. Lead exposure often happens without visible symptoms and can impact a child’s developing brain, learning, behavior and overall health. Young children are especially vulnerable because their brains and bodies are still developing rapidly.

Common sources of lead exposure include:

• Peeling or deteriorating lead-based paint in homes built before 1978
• Dust from old paint that settles on floors, windowsills and surfaces
• Soil around older homes where lead from paint or past emissions (old leaded gas emissions, aviation fuel, agricultural pesticides, smelters that have settled in soils in communities, etc.) may be present
• Drinking water from older pipes, plumbing or fixtures that may contain lead
• Renovation or repair work that disturbs old paint and creates contaminated dust
• Certain imported spices, foods or cosmetics that may contain lead
• Lead brought home on clothing or shoes from certain jobs, construction sites or hobbies
• Toys (view toy recalls at www.cpsc.gov), jewelry or older furniture with old paint or glaze that may contain lead

SCPH encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their child’s medical provider about blood lead testing at 12 and 24 months of age. A blood lead test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed because lead poisoning often has no obvious symptoms.

Families can take simple steps to help reduce lead exposure including:

• Wet-wiping floors, windowsills and surfaces regularly
• Washing children’s hands and toys frequently
• Eating healthy snacks and meals rich in calcium, vitamin C and iron
• Avoiding unsafe renovation practices in homes built before 1978
• Being mindful of imported spices, cosmetics or older toys that may contain lead
• Talking with a child’s doctor about blood lead testing at 12 and 24 months

To learn more about lead exposure risks, prevention and testing, visit

LeadRiskIsReal.SacCounty.gov.