To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Nolan Sullivan, 707-565-4774; Amelyn Olson, 707-565-2696
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution recognizing October 19-25 as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week for 2025
End
Executive Summary:
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is a yearly campaign held during the last full week of October to raise awareness and help prevent lead exposure in children. Each year, the local Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Program participates in Lead Week to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning and provides valuable outreach and education to community members and partners.
The County of Sonoma Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is managed and staffed through the Department of Health Services, Public Health Division, and is funded through the State Department of Public Health. The CLPPP employs a team of local health professionals who provide services to parents, healthcare providers, and the general public regarding lead. This team is comprised of:
- Public Health Nurses, who work with families to identify possible sources of contamination and to educate families on ways to reduce the risk of lead contamination.
- Health Educators, who conduct health fairs, workshops and special trainings for health care providers and the general public.
- Registered Environmental Specialists, who conduct investigations to determine the source of lead contamination in the home.
Discussion:
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be observed statewide from October 19 through October 25, 2025 in order to promote childhood lead poisoning prevention awareness.
One of government’s responsibilities is to keep its constituents safe from environmental hazards. Lead exposure is among the most pervasive of these hazards, as lead can be found in paint, dust, soil, drinking water, in the air from lead aviation gas and other lead emitters, and consumer products, such as cosmetics, pottery, cooking implements and utensils, purchased through the online marketplace. Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children under the age of six as this is a sensitive period for brain and neurological development. It is critical that we take actions to ensure a lead-safe environment in the Sonoma County where children can grow and thrive without the burden of lead poisoning.
Protecting children from lead exposure is critical to lifelong health. Lead is a neurotoxin with long-lasting effect, even small amounts of lead in the body can adversely impact cognitive development and learning, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/frequently_asked_questions.aspx). The damaging effects of lead exposure often go undetected. The signs of lead exposure are difficult to identify. A blood lead test is the best way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead.
Although lead can be found in many products and locations, lead exposure is preventable. Making healthy food choices can keep a child safe from lead. We encourage all Sonoma County residents to learn about the risks and potential sources of lead exposure, and the steps we can take to protect our children. Additional information on lead poisoning prevention can be accessed at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/CLPPBhome.aspx and in Attachment - 2 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (English), Attachment - 3 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (Spanish), Attachment - 4 Making Healthier Choices to Keep Your Child Safe from Lead (English/Spanish), and Attachment - 5 Well Fed = Less Lead (English/Spanish).
Prior Board Actions:
On October 22, 2024, the Board adopted a Gold Resolution recognizing October 20-26 as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week for 2024.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (English)
Attachment 3 – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (Spanish)
Attachment 4 – Making Healthier Choices to Keep Your Child Safe from Lead (English/Spanish)
Attachment 5 – Well Fed = Less Lead (English/Spanish)
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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