The Sutter County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides outreach and education to prevent lead poisoning and nurse case management for children who are lead burdened. Lead is especially dangerous for children under the age of six because their growing and developing bodies absorb more lead that can damage their brain and nervous system.

Water Utility Lead Service Line Replacement Campaign (New!)

California public water utilities are replacing lead service lines that they own (i.e., the section that runs from the water main to the water meter) over the next ten years.  Lead service line replacement has already started in some communities.  The California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) is working with the State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Drinking Water to prevent lead exposure among families while lead service lines are being replaced.  Please visit CLPPB's dedicated web page to learn more about this effort, including if your local water utility has a lead service line replacement (LSLR) timeline, and where and when it will happen.

When should your child have a lead test?

  • Most children with lead poisoning do not look or act sick.
  • The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is for them to get a blood test.
  • Children on a publicly funded program or who have risk factors should be tested for lead at 12 months and 24 months of age. If not tested prior should have a test before age 6.
  • If you are pregnant, lead can hurt your baby. Ask your doctor about a lead test.

Where can lead be found?

  • Deteriorating lead paint in homes built before 1978.
  • Traditional cosmetics such as Surma, Sindoor, or Kohl and traditional home remedies.
  • Soil containing lead from gasoline residue.
  • Ceramic dishes, especially imported ceramics decorated with lead-based glaze or paint.
  • Water stored in a water crocks or running through plumbing that contains lead.
  • Work clothes or shoes exposed to lead on the job. Some jobs with lead exposure are smelting, recycling batteries, repairing radiators, remolding or painting homes older than 1978.
  • Hobbies such as fishing (lead sinkers), bullet reloading, jewelry making, or stained glass.
  • Some imported spices, candies, and other food products from outside the U.S.
  • Some toys, jewelry, and other painted objects.

Check for Lead in and Around Your Home Brochure

Lead in Folk Remedies Brochure

How to protect your child from lead

  • If lead-based paint is on any surface inside or outside of the home: wet mop floors, wet wipe windowsills, vacuum, wash toys and blankets.
  • Washing children’s hands and toys often. Before eating, after play, before nap and bedtime.
  • Do not let children chew on painted surfaces or eat paint chips.
  • Make sure cribs, playpens, beds and high chairs are away from damaged paint.
  • Avoid putting Surma on your child’s eyes or umbilical stump. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid using Surma. Find a safe alternative that does not contain lead.
  • Be sure that products you bring home do not have lead in them.
  • Cover bare dirt outside home with plants, concrete, bark or gravel.
  • Don't bring lead dust home from work or a hobby. Take off shoes before going inside.
  • When painting or remodeling, always follow “lead-safe” work practices.

Eating healthy foods can help keep children safe from lead

A poor diet or an empty stomach can encourage absorption of lead. Serve children healthy meals and snacks at least every 3-4 hours. Well Fed=Less Lead brochure has healthy food ideas.

The Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides services to prevent and reduce lead poisoning in California workplaces. For more information visit their site.

Is your family at risk due to recalled items being used at home, school, or work? Sign-up for recall updates via email on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website

Additional Links

For additional information on childhood lead poisoning, please see the California Department of Public Health website.