Lead Safe Orange

Lead Safe Orange

Lead Safe Orange (LSO) is the umbrella name under which we coordinate our grant funded programs concerning lead poisoning and lead hazards. Those programs include the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Primary Prevention Program, Healthy Neighborhoods Program and our collaboration with Community Development to teach classes in the Evironmental Protection Agency's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.

Through Lead Safe Orange, we have combined the outreach efforts of these programs to focus on lead hazards and exposure throughout Orange County. Helping to create an educated, certified renovation workforce is key to lead poisoning prevention. Please see our calendar for the latest scheduled classes.

WHAT IS LEAD?

Lead is a heavy metal. Certain products such as paints used in older houses before 1978, lead solder used in plumbing, and leaded gasoline were used before their harmful health effects were recognized. Although laws now prevent lead from being used in many products, there can still be lead hazards in and around many homes. Lead can get into the air, water, food, soil, and even dust and then can be breathed or swallowed leading to serious health problems, especially for young children.

Lead is a toxin (poison) that can harm young children. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk because their bodies are still developing. A young child's exposure to lead can cause learning and behavioral problems and possibly damage their brains, kidneys, and other organs.

Less often, water is contaminated when it flows through lead pipes or brass fixtures, or food is contaminated by contact with lead-glazed ceramic dishes. Certain ethnic spices, foods and cosmetics also have lead. In certain jobs and hobbies, adults may work with leaded materials and can possibly expose their child to lead if proper cleaning is not done.
People can also be exposed to lead by eating venison and small game harvested with lead shot and lead bullets.