Silent Menace: Pasadena Mobilizes Against Childhood Lead Exposure – Pasadena Now

Pasadena health officials are urging parents to be on guard against an invisible threat: lead poisoning.

This week, as part of a national campaign, the city's Public Health Department is shining a spotlight on the dangers of lead exposure, particularly for children under six. The message is clear: Even small amounts of lead can have big consequences.

Lead, once common in paint and plumbing, can lurk in unexpected places. Older houses, contaminated soil, even some imported toys can be sources. For curious toddlers prone to putting things in their mouths, the risk is especially high.

The effects can be severe. Lead exposure can slow a child's growth, damage their nervous system, and lead to learning problems – setbacks that can last a lifetime.

The City's Health Department is drawing attention to National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 20 to 26, to educate the community about protecting children from lead exposure. The initiative focuses on prevention, community education, and testing to combat this largely avoidable health risk.

Children under six are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, as they are more likely to put objects like toys and dirt in their mouths, said an advisory from the Public Health Department. Exposure can lead to brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and learning difficulties.

"Lead poisoning can be detrimental to young children's health and development," said Acting Health Officer Parveen Kaur. "Parents and caregivers should ensure that their child's environment is free of lead, as well as talk to their child's health care provider about blood lead testing."

Health officials emphasize that any amount of lead exposure in children is unsafe. A blood test is the most effective way to detect lead poisoning, as there are often no visible symptoms initially.

Children in neighborhoods with older housing or near current or former industrial sites face a higher risk of lead exposure, the advisory said. Families in these areas bear a disproportionate burden compared to other community members.

To prevent lead poisoning, health officials recommend talking to healthcare providers about blood lead tests for at-risk children. They also advise eliminating lead hazards in children's environments and taking precautions if working with lead.

Additional prevention tips include storing contaminated work clothes in closed containers with warning labels and washing them at the worksite or through commercial laundry services. Businesses are urged to take appropriate measures to protect staff and their families.

In California, common sources of lead exposure include pre-1978 buildings, migration from countries with higher lead exposure, contaminated dust and soil, certain imported products like pottery and cosmetics, and activities involving lead products such as soldering or handling fishing sinkers.

The health department urges parents to visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Testing for Lead Poisoning in Children and Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning webpages, for more information.

For local inquiries, residents can contact the City Service Center at (626) 744-7311.