Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Vision

Healthy, lead-free environments for children

Mission

To prevent the adverse impact of lead poisoning on the children of Los Angeles County by reducing the incidence of lead poisoning and providing a comprehensive response to support lead burdened children and their families.

Program Description

The Los Angeles County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) was established in 1991, as a result of the California legislature mandating the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) to develop and enact a standard of care for identifying and managing children with elevated blood lead levels. CLPPP, funded by the CDHS, is structurally placed under two Programs within Department of Public Health. The team of public health nurses, health educators, and epidemiology staff is under Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Programs; and the team of registered environmental health specialists is under Environmental Health. The two teams work closely together to ensure nursing and environmental case management and follow-up for lead-burdened children; to promote screening; and to carry out primary prevention, targeted outreach and education, and surveillance activities.

A toll free hotline, 1-800-LA-4-LEAD, to answer questions or to give referrals regarding lead related issues is available to the public during regular working hours.

Case Management Unit

Public Health Nurses (PHN) assist the primary care provider with the identification, follow-up and management of lead poisoned children considered to be cases.

Once a child has been identified as a case, the PHN visits the child's home to provide: a general physical assessment of the child; family education on the effects and prevention of lead poisoning; and assistance with linking the family to any further health or social services.

Environmental Health Unit

The Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is responsible for identifying any possible environmental lead hazards at the home of a lead poisoned child.

The REHS visits a lead poisoned child's environment and takes samples of the paint, dust, soil and water to determine if they contain lead levels above the regulatory standard. The REHS also interviews the family to see if other sources (such as home remedies, imported candies, lead glazed pottery, painted toys, lead hobbies or take-home lead from a family member's work) may have caused or contributed to the child's poisoning.

The REHS informs the child's family of the lead hazards found and provides steps the family can take to reduce their child's exposure to these lead hazards.

If the paint, dust, soil, or water of the house contains lead levels above the standard, then a report is issued to the property owner requiring him/her to eliminate or contain the hazards. The REHS monitors the property and works with the owner until compliance is achieved. When necessary, the REHS will refer the case to the City/District Attorney to ensure timely compliance.

The Environmental Health Lead Hazard Reduction Compliance and Enforcement Program (LHRCEP) offers Lead Safe Work Practices Training to contractors, local government agencies, and property owners/property management companies at no cost. Contact us at (323) 659-6553 for more information.

Epidemiology Unit

The Epidemiology Unit maintains a lead poisoning database, which includes demographic, geographic, laboratory and clinical information on all reported screenings, and identified cases throughout the County. Staff plan, direct and evaluate original epidemiological studies, analyze lead poisoning data and respond to data requests from interested parties.

Health Education Unit

The Health Education Unit maintains a wealth of information on lead poisoning prevention, which is available to the community in several languages. Staff can provide information booths at events and in-person or virtual workshops upon request.