Environmental investigations
When a child or young adult are found to be lead poisoned, the department conducts an environmental home inspection. This includes having an Environmental Health Professional visit the home to:
- Conduct an environmental inspection to identify and test for possible lead sources such as paint, soil, dust and water.
- Provide recommendations to reduce contact with lead.
- Issue an order to remove sources of lead found in the property.
- Follow up to see that sources of lead are corrected.
Education and guidance
Environmental health staff provide education and guidance on lead safe work practices, lead hazard reduction, and related issues including:
- Educate residents, contractors, government agencies, and the public on lead hazards and how lead hazards can be identified, reduced, or eliminated.
- Work with homeowners and landlords to ensure that lead hazards are removed from homes where lead poisoned children live.
- Identify and control or eliminate sources of lead exposures.
Lead hazard complaints
Environmental health inspectors respond to public concerns related to lead hazards in or near homes, including:
- Lead hazard complaints regarding units built before 1978
- Unsafe lead work practices such as disturbing paint without containment on public and residential buildings built before 1978
Lead hazard complaints can be submitted:
- Online at Report a Lead Hazard Complaint
- In person at 1555 Berger Drive, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95112
By phone at (408) 918-3400
What is lead?
- Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that has been used in many products.
- It can be found throughout the environment, including air, soil, and water.
- In the early 1900s lead was widely used in gasoline, house paint, and plumbing.
- Lead remains present in our environment today.
Who is at risk?
- Lead is toxic to everyone, especially children under 6 years of age and pregnant people.
- Young children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, primarily from inhaling lead dust or consuming paint chips.
- Childhood lead poisoning is 100% preventable. The key is to stop children from coming into contact with lead.
How lead affects children
- Lead poisoning can make it hard for your child to learn and pay attention.
- Lead poisoning may cause long-term health problems.
- Children may not look or act sick, so it's important to ask their healthcare provider about a blood lead test.
For more information on lead exposure and steps to protect your child from lead around your home, visit Lead Education Materials.
- MMWR May 27, 2005 / 54(20);513-516
- Koller et al. EHP, Jun 2004
- Bellinger, Current Opinions in Pediatrics, 2008, 20:172-177
- Learn About Lead
- Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead | US EPA
- How Do You Know if There is Lead in Your Home?
- Sources of Lead in Drinking Water
- Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water
- EPA Home Water Testing Facts
- Residential Water Treatment Devices | California State Water Resources Control Board
- Firearms Safety Flyer (ca.gov)
- Lead Hazards at Shooting Ranges (ca.gov)
- California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) (ca.gov)
- Screening for Childhood Lead Poisoning
- SCC Public Health - Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- SCC Public Health - Home Safety on Twitter
- Lead in Food, Foodwares, and Dietary Supplements | FDA
- Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA
- Consumer Product Safety Commission product recalls Recalls | CPSC.gov
- Want to have your water tested for lead? Contact any of the laboratories below for sampling instructions and cost.
| Torrent Laboratories | (408) 263-5258 |
| EMSL Analytical | (510) 895-3675 |