Childhood Lead Prevention Program: Parent Information

1. Why and when should children be tested for lead?



Lead is a poison that may seriously affect health. Children's bodies absorb more lead than adults bodies do. They are much more likely to be exposed to lead hazards at early ages when they touch lead-contaminated surfaces and then put their hands in their mouths. Lead is commonly found in the environment and is often in the paint and yard soil of homes and childcare facilities built before 1979.

Only a blood lead test can tell you if you or your children have been exposed. If your home was built before 1979, have your children tested for lead at regular checkups when they are 1 year old and again when they are 2 years old. If your children have not been tested at 1 and 2 years of age, have them tested at least once before they are 6 years old.

2. What do blood lead test results mean?


1. Blood Lead Levels: What Do They Mean? - Availabe in Spanish & Chinese (pdf)
2. Free or Low Cost Healthcare Bookmark - Available in Spanish & Chinese (pdf)


3. What are lead hazards?


1. Health Hazard Advisory - In English, Spanish & Chinese (pdf)
2. Lead is a Poison - Available in Spanish & Chinese (pdf)


4. What can you do to prevent lead exposure?



The San Francisco Childhood Lead Prevention Program provides services and information to identify lead hazards and prevent children's exposure to lead.

Please call 311 for a free assessment of your home or childcare facility to identify lead hazards and find out about resources for fixing hazardous conditions in your home or childcare facility.

Additional resources are linked here:

1. Simple Steps to Protect Your Child from Lead - Available in Spanish (pdf)
2. Childproof Your Home Improvements (pdf) - US Environmental Protection Agency
3. Renovate Right (pdf) - US Department of Housing and Urban Development
4. Lead in Consumer Products & Candies
5. Lead in Water Testing - In English, Spanish & Chinese (pdf)
6. Lead Safe Garden Practices (pdf)