Although lead has been banned from many products, it is still all around us. Without special handling it can be hazardous. Children are most at risk because they are growing rapidly. We provide information about the sources of lead in the community—mainly paint on housing built before 1978, but also dust, soil, or job-related sources, and occasionally drinking water or consumer products. 

Our education and prevention programs get the word out about sources of lead how to get children tested for lead exposure and what resources are available to make sure lead is either removed or handled safely. 

Many of Humboldt County’s beautiful older homes were treated with lead-based paint.

What everyone needs to know about lead: 

• Most older homes in Humboldt County contain lead. Before painting or fixing up an older home, read the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission’s guide Protecting Your Family from Lead in Your Home (PDF)
• Most children who have been exposed to lead don’t show immediate symptoms, that’s why testing is so important.
• Lead is most harmful to unborn babies and children under the age of 6. Childhood lead exposure makes it more difficult for kids to grow, think, concentrate and behave normally. Low-levels of lead exposure can cause reading and learning disabilities, hearing loss and hyperactivity. At higher levels, lead exposure can cause intellectual disabilities, coma, convulsions and even death.
• At least half-a-million U.S. children have lead levels that are too high.

Prevention Tips

Lead poisoning is preventable. The key is to prevent lead exposure before your family is poisoned. The following are ways to protect your children from lead poisoning.

• Wash children's hands frequently, 
  especially before eating and sleeping.
• Paint
  Cover old paint that is chipped, flaky or peeling with contact paper. Remove fallen paint chips immediately and do not let children eat them. Prevent children from chewing on or picking at painted surfaces. 
  Keep furniture away from damaged paint. Do not place cribs, playpens, beds, or high chairs next to areas where paint is chipping or peeling or can be chewed. 
  Test painted surfaces for lead in any area that you plan to remodel, before you begin the work. If lead is in the paint, learn how to handle the paint safely. Never sand, burn, or scrape paint, unless you know that it does not contain lead.
  If you see unsafe lead work practices, submit a tip or complaint to Humboldt County Environmental Health Citizen Portal or call (707) 445-6215.
• Dust 
  Mop and wipe floors, windowsills and window frames weekly with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner.
• Soil
  Do not allow children to play in outdoor areas near a busy street, highway, factory or auto shop. Cover soil around your house with grass, plants, rocks or pavement. Click on one of the following links for more information about lead in paint, dust and soil. (English)(Spanish)
• Wash children’s toys frequently 
  Use toys that can be easily washed. Avoid using baby bottles with decals.  
• Candy 
  Avoid giving children imported candies made with tamarind or chili powder.   
• Pottery
  Do not use handmade or imported pottery and highly decorated dishes for cooking and storing food unless you are certain they are lead free. Look at this brochure for information about lead in traditional imported pottery (English/Spanish).
• Home remedies
  Only give children doctor-approved medicines. Folk remedies, English/Spanish (PDF) 
• Don't take Lead Home with you! If you work with lead, wash your hands and change your clothes before coming into contact with your loved ones. Hobbies that use lead include soldering or making stained glass, bullets, or fishing sinkers.
  Don't take Lead Home with you!(PDF)  
  ¡No lleve el plomo a su casa! (PDF)
• Nutrition
  Well Fed = Less Lead.
  Give children a healthy diet with foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C (see table below for examples). These nutrients help prevent lead from being absorbed by the body.