SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, is hosting an information campaign during Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed Oct. 19 to 25. This year's theme, “Nutrition as Prevention,” highlights how a healthy diet rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C can help reduce lead absorption in the body.  

The campaign features educational community presentations held at several Solano County library branches.

 "The purpose of this campaign is to remind parents and caregivers that lead poisoning can be detrimental to young children’s health and development. It's important for parents and caregivers to ask their child’s doctor about blood lead testing,” said Yolanda Smaldino, Public Health Nurse and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Coordinator for Solano County. 

Lead poisoning can seriously affect a child’s brain and nervous system. A blood lead test is the only way to detect lead poisoning in children. In California, children may be exposed through lead-contaminated dust or soil, deteriorating lead-based paint or lead dust carried home on parents’ work clothes. Other sources of exposure include certain imported ceramics, painted objects, home remedies, traditional cosmetics, imported spices or candies and activities involving lead products such as soldering, stained-glass work or handling bullets and fishing sinkers.

Solano County’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works to reduce the risk of lead exposure in children and young adults through education, screening and care. The program provides year-round services—including case management, environmental surveillance and community education.

As part of these prevention efforts, all parents and caregivers of young children are invited to attend these educational presentations to learn how to protect their children from this serious environmental disease. Educational pamphlets and brochures are also available upon request at 707-469-4596. 

 For additional information and resources on childhood lead poisoning prevention, please visit the Solano County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program page.