Prevent lead poisoning in young children

Children less than six years old put many things in their mouths. They can get lead poisoning easily. 

Older children and adults rarely get lead poisoning from their home environment. Find out more about lead poisoning in adults.

Follow these steps to reduce lead poisoning risks in a young child’s home environment.

Check for multiple sources of lead in the home. Paint, dust, and soil are the most common sources of lead in San Francisco.

Speak with a health educator about reducing the sources of lead found inside the home.

There are 2 options for home inspections:

• Schedule an inspection with a City lead inspector

• Hire your own inspector

The inspector must be a current California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Lead-Certified Inspector/Risk assessor.

Fix lead paint, dust, and soil problems one of three ways:

1. Hiring a CDPH Lead-certified contractor to ensure better protection of the occupants. 

    

2. Applying to the City for funding. Find out if your property qualifies for City funding to fix lead risks.

3. Doing it yourself. You must follow San Francisco Department of Building Inspection rules and work safely to protect the occupants and the neighbors.

Water is not the most common source of lead hazard in San Francisco.

Complete an application and send it along with a fee to the SF Public Utilities Commission (Water Department).