Information for Parents

Lead is a poison that is particularly dangerous for young children because of their small size and rapid growth and development. It can cause behavioral and learning difficulties, anemia, seizures, and other medical problems. A lead test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning.

Children should be tested at 12 months and 24 months of age. This requirement is a part of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) schedules. Children from 3 to 6 years of age should have their blood tested if they have not been tested before and:

• Are Medi-Cal eligible.
• Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 with ongoing or recent renovations or remodeling.
• Have a sibling or playmate who has or has had lead poisoning.

Sources of Lead

Lead poisoning occurs when the body absorbs lead in large amounts by breathing in or swallowing substances that contain lead. It is seen after exposure to lead for months or years. Lead can be found throughout a child’s environment.

• Homes built before 1978 (when lead-based paints were banned) probably contain lead-based paint. When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead dust. Children can be poisoned when they swallow or breathe in lead dust.
• Certain water pipes may contain lead.
• Lead can be found in some products such as toys and jewelry.
• Lead is sometimes in candies imported from other countries or traditional home remedies.
• Occupations involved working with lead-based products, such as auto repair, battery manufacturing, mining, painting, and welding may cause parents to bring lead into the home.
• Children who live near airports may be exposed to lead in air and soil from aviation gas.
• Soil
• Pottery
• Cosmetics
• Art supplies
• Lead bullets

Resources

• Find the Lead Sources (ca.gov)
• Encuentre las Fuentes de Plomo (ca.gov)
• Frequently Asked Questions (ca.gov)

Prevention

Parents and caregivers can also prevent childhood lead poisoning by:

• Wiping clean or taking off shoes before entering the home
• Washing children’s hands and toys often
• If lead-based paint is on any surface inside or outside of the home, wet mop and wash surfaces often
• When painting or remodeling, always follow “lead-safe” work practices:
  • Use plastic sheeting on the ground and furniture while working.
  • Wet surfaces before sanding and scraping.
  • Wet mop the area with an all-purpose cleaner at the end of the day
• If hiring workers, ensure they are properly certified (California Department of Public Health for abatement, United States Environmental Protection Agency for renovation)

Resources

• Protect Your Child - English/Spanish (ca.gov)

Nutrition

Children with empty stomachs absorb more lead than children with full stomachs. Eating healthy foods can help keep children safe from lead. Serve children healthy meals and snacks at least every 3 – 4 hours including:

• Protein, such as lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, and unsalted nuts and seeds
• Vegetables, in a variety of colors like dark green, red, orange, yellow and purple
• Fruits, like fresh, frozen or canned fruits without added sugar.
• Whole grains, like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice.
• Dairy products, such as milk, soy milk, nut milks, or yogurt without added sugar.

Limit foods with:

• Added sugar, like candy, soda, sugary breakfast cereal, sweet treats and granola bars.
• Added fat, like fried foods, fast foods, chips, pork rinds and other processed foods.

Resources

• Make Healthier Choices (ca.gov) – English
• Make Healthier Choices (ca.gov) – Spanish
• For more information please visit: California Department of Public Health - Me and My Family

Current Lead Recalls

For the Latest Lead Recalls please refer to “U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission” by visiting: www.CPSC.GOV or calling: 1-800-638-2772. 

FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August 2025

• November 24, 2025

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 Shata Traders Inc Recalls Chef Brand Milk Pan 24cm Because of Possible Health Risk

• November 19, 2025

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More Ground Cinnamon Products Added to FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

• November 7, 2025

 

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More Ground Cinnamon Products Added to FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

• October 30, 2025

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More Ground Cinnamon Products Added to FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

• October 8, 2025

 

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In Motion Design Recalls Evermore Surprise Eggs Due to Risk of Serious Injury; Violates Federal Lead Content Ban 

• October 2, 2025
• Recall Number: 26-001

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SLR Food Distribution, Inc. Recalls Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon Because of Possible Health Risk 

• September 26, 2025

 

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More Ground Cinnamon Products Added to FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

• Recall Date: September 12, 2025

    

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FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August 2025

 

• Recall Date: September 12, 2025

   

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Sprout Organics Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach Due to Possible Health Risk

• Recall Date: September 16, 2025

 

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W.W. Industrial Group Recalls Pear Slices in Juice Due to Elevated Levels of Lead and Cadmium

• Recall Date: July 23, 2025

 

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SPPTTY Kids Bicycles Recalled Due to Risk of Death or Injury from Lead Poisoning; Violates Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold at Walmart by Shenzhen Yihuachuang Technology

• Recall Date: July 10, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-382

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Boyro Baby Walkers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Children from Fall Hazard; Violations of the Federal Standard for Infant Walkers and Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com

• Recall Date: June 26, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-361

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using VFAUOSIT Brand Kitchen Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 15, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-262

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Kicimpro Brand Kitchen Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 15, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-264

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Qomolangma Brand Kitchen Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 15, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-259

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using HGN Brand Kitchen Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 15, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-261

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using NICTIE Brand Bathroom Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 15, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-268

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Rainsworth Brand Bathroom Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 14, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-267

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using VESLA HOME Brand Kitchen Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 14, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-263

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using KZH Brand Bathroom Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 14, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-265

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using CEINOL Brand Bathroom Faucets Sold on Amazon.com Due to Dangerous Lead Exposure for Young Children

• Recall Date: May 14, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-266

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 Good & Gather Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree from Target

• Recall Date: March 12, 2025
• Lot numbers 4169 and 4167

 

 

 

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Dlesot Snap Children’s Hair Clips Recalled Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard; Violation of Federal Ban for Lead in Paint; Sold Exclusively on Amazon by YFLGOTOO

• Recall Date: May 1, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-245

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Yaomiao Children’s Jewelry Sets Recalled Due to Risk of Lead and Cadmium Poisoning; Violations of the Federal Lead Content Ban and Federal Hazardous
 Substances Act; Sold Exclusively on Amazon by LordRoads

 

• Recall Date: January 2, 2025
• Recall Number: 25-082

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Children’s Jewelry Sets Recalled Due to Risk of Lead andCadmium Poisoning; Violations of the Federal Lead Content Ban and Federal Hazardous Substances Act; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by Newmemo

• Recall Date: September 19, 2024

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Red Toolbox Recalls Stanley-Branded Jr. Kids Garden Sets Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard; Violation of Federal Ban for Lead in Paint; Sold Exclusively by Costco Wholesale 

• Recall Date: September 12, 2024

 

 

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Dixon Ticonderoga Recalls Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban

• Recall Date: May 2, 2024

 

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Cao Voi Tri Cay Thau Dau

• If you or someone you know uses "Cao Voi Tri Cay Thau Dau", we strongly advise discontinuing its use immediately and consulting a healthcare provider for lead testing.

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Fossil Group Recalls Bracelet Sold with Skechers Jewelry Gift Sets Due to High Levels of Lead and Cadmium

• Recall Date: March 7, 2024

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FDA Alert Concerning Certain Cinnamon Products Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead (FDA)

• Recall Date: March 6, 2024

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Sandford Family Croquet Sets Recalled Due to Violations of the Federal Lead Paint and Phthalates Bans; Sold Exclusively on Amazon by DOM Sports (CPSC.gov)

• Recall Date: January 25, 2024
• Recall Number: 24-141

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Yaomiao Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by LordRoadS

• Recall Date: January 25, 2024
• Recall Number: 24-093

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PandaEar Recalls Stainless Steel Children’s Cups Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com (Recall Alert)

• Recall Date: November 22, 2023
• Recall Number: 24-716

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H&M Recalls Men’s Clasp Beaded Bracelets Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard; High Levels of Lead Content

• Recall Date: September 21, 2023
• Recall Number: 23-293

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Soojimus Recalls CUPKIN Stainless Steel Children’s Cups Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban (Recall Alert)

• Recall Date: July 20, 2023
• Recall Number: 23-774

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Bunch Bikes Recalls The Preschool Electric Bicycles Due to Violation of the Federal Lead Paint Ban; Lead Poisoning Hazard (Recall Alert)

• Recall Date: May 25, 2023

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CultureFly Recalls L.O.L. Surprise! Trick or Treat Subscription Boxes Sold with Metal Doll Pins Due to the Violation of the Federal Lead Paint Ban; Lead Poisoning Hazard (Recall Alert)

• Recall Date: May 4, 2023

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Del Maguey Issues Voluntary Recall of Promotional Ceramicware Cups Called 'Copitas' Used for Drinking Mezcal Because of Possible Health Risk

• Recall Date: May 1, 2023

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Lil Anglers Recalls Children's Fishing Rods Sold with Kid Casters No Tangle Combos Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban

• Recall Date: April 20, 2023
• Recall Number: 23-184

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Primark Recalls Children’s Bamboo Plates Due to Risk of Lead and Chemical Exposure Hazards

• Recall Date: March 2, 2023
• Recall Number 23-139

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Shop Me Ca Recalls “Diep Bao Cream” Because of Possible Health Risk

• Recall Date: February 1, 2023

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Hatley USA Recalls Children’s Headbands Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban

• Recall Date: February 16, 2023
• Recall Number: 23-122

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Bentex Recalls Children’s Clothing Sets Due to Violation of the Federal Lead Paint and Lead Content Ban; Lead Poisoning Hazard

• Recall Date: November 23, 2022
• Recall Number: 23-052

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Juvo Plus Recalls Children’s Butterfly Net Sets and Army Action Figure Playsets Due to Violations of Federal Phthalates and Lead Content Bans

• Recall Date: October 20, 2022
• Recall Number: 23-703

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U.P. Fashion Recalls Children’s Rings Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban

• Recall Date: October 13, 2022
• Recall Number: 23-008

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Big Game Hunters Children’s Outdoor Kitchens Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Imported by DOM Sports; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com

• Recall Date: August 25, 2022
• Recall Number: 22-207

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Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Natierra Organic Freeze- Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) Due to levels of Lead

• Recall Date: July 14, 2022

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Recalls and Alerts for Dried Plums (Saladitos) Due to Lead Contamination

• Recall Date: February 9, 2022
• Recall Number: 22-030

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Stack Em’ Up Books Children’s Stackable Toys

• Recall Date: February 9, 2022
• Recall Number: 22-073

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Native Creation Recalls Sweaters

• Recall Date: January 5, 2022
• Recall Number: 22-044

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Fulvic Care Powder and Tablets from Black Oxygen Organics

• Recall Date: December 3, 2021

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Plush Aflac Doctor Duck

• Recall Date: August 26, 2020
• Recall Number: 20-173

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Hasbro Super Soaker XP 20 and XP 30 Water Blasters

• Recall Date: August 19, 2020
• Recall Number: 20-168

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Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Activity Pins

• Recall Date: July 1, 2020
• Recall Number: 20-144

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Ximi Vogue Children's Neck Pillows

• April 30, 2020
• Recall #20-113

Lead Professionals

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) has programs to ensure that workers in occupations involving lead are properly trained to perform their jobs safely and protect their families, clients, and themselves from lead exposure.

• California Department of Public Health - Lead Professionals
• California Department of Public Health - Public Health Workers
• Housing and Building Resource List
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA – Lead Information)

Danger: Houses and apartment buildings built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Sanding, scraping, or otherwise disturbing lead paint can release large amounts of toxic lead dust. This dust, which may not be visible, can settle on floors and other surfaces where it gets on children’s hands and into their mouths.

Medical Healthcare Professionals

Standard of Care on Screening for Childhood Lead Poisoning

State regulations impose specific responsibilities on doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants doing periodic health care assessments on children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. This is a brief summary of health care providers' responsibilities. These regulations apply to all physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, not just Medi-Cal or Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) providers.

Health care providers who perform periodic health assessments for children are required to inform parents and guardians about:

• The risks and effects of childhood lead exposure.
• The requirement that children in Medi-Cal should be blood lead tested.
• The requirement that children not in Medi-Cal who are at high risk of lead exposure should also be blood lead tested.

More Information and Resources

• California Department of Public Health - Provider Information
• CDPH Brochures

Education Materials

The California Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch has developed lead education materials in multiple languages for parents and families, health care provider offices, childcare providers, businesses and organizations, and others interested in preventing lead exposure in children. These materials can be downloaded and printed. To order free printed lead education materials, please contact your local Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program @ 661-321-3000

• California Department of Public Health Lead Education Materials
• California Department of Public Health - Me and My Family
• Easy Ways to Protect Your Family from Lead Poisoning English & Spanish
•  CLPPB Folk Remedies (English)
• • CLPPB Folk Remedies (Spanish)
  • CLPPB Folk Remedies (Punjabi)

Resources

State of California

• California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch
• Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
• California Food and Drug Branch
• California Lead-Related Construction Information
• Lead Sampling in Drinking Water for Individual Homeowners

Nationwide

• National Lead Information Center (NLIC)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), English/Spanish
• S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• S. Centers for Disease Control/Prevention (CDC)

CDC Guidelines for Collecting and Handling Blood Lead Samples

• Blood Lead Testing - Test Tubes