Campaign to increase awareness of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Amador County

For Immediate Release:
Date: October 22, 2026
Contact: Stacey Frame, Amador County Public Health,
Public Information Officer 209-223-6756

RE: Amador County, CA launches campaign to increase awareness of Childhood Lead
Poisoning

Amador County Public Health today announced plans to celebrate Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, with a week-long information campaign
stressing the importance of screening for lead in young children.

"There is no safe level for lead," shares Public Health Director, Joanne Hasson. "Children
may be exposed through paint and dust in older homes, spices and foods, even some toys.
Given almost all children are at risk, make sure to talk to your child's health care provider
about screening."

Blood lead tests are recommended for all 1 and 2 year olds.

Testing children at 12 and 24 months is important since this is when lead exposure may
cause the most harm developmentally. Older children may need catch-up testing if they
were not tested earlier. For children up to age 6, testing is covered by most health
insurance including Medi-Cal.

While a parent may not notice symptoms at the time of exposure, lead poisoning can
seriously affect a child's brain and nervous system leading to learning and other health
problems later on. A blood lead test is the only way to identify lead poisoning in children.
Background materials are available upon request at 209-223-6407 or at Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention | Amador County.

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