What is Lead?
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is found naturally and is used in many products. Even small amounts of lead exposure can have harmful effects on the body, resulting in problems with development, attention, learning, behavior, and growth.
Children under six years old are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning because:
- Their brains and bodies are growing
- They put their hands, toys, and other objects in their mouths
- They play close to the ground where lead dust can be found
Nutrition as Prevention
Lead poisoning is preventable! Did you know that eating healthy foods can help keep children safe from lead?
Foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help limit the amount of lead absorbed into the body.
Healthy foods include:
- Protein, such as lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, soy products (like tofu), 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 or yogurt without added sugar
Limit foods with added sugar, like candy, soda, sugary breakfast cereal, sweet treats and granola bars.
High fat foods may increase lead absorption. Limit foods with added fat, like fried foods, fast foods, chips, or pork rinds.
Try these food swaps:
Instead of: |
Try: |
Juice or soda |
Milk or water |
Chips or cookies |
Iron-fortified cereal |
Fruit snacks |
Fresh orange slices |
White bread |
Whole wheat bread |
Serve children healthy meals and snacks at least every 3-4 hours. Children with full bellies absorb less lead than those with empty ones.
For more tips and information on healthy foods contact:
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC) at 1(888) 968-7942
- CDPH: Baby Food Safety Flyer English/Spanish
- CDPH: Well Fed = Less Lead Brochure English/Spanish | English/Vietnamese
- CDPH: Well Fed = Less Lead Card English/Spanish
To learn more about lead testing or recalled products/food, see:
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Protect Your Child from Lead English/Spanish | English/Vietnamese
- CDPH: Getting Your Child Tested English/Spanish | English/Vietnamese
- Consumer Products Safety Commission Recalls
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Other Resources
OC Health Care Agency Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OC CLPPP) provides free case management and environmental investigations for children with elevated lead levels, community outreach, and education to keep you informed about lead poisoning prevention.
- Call OC CLPPP at (714) 567-6220
- Email OC CLPPP at Lead@ochca.com
- Visit OC CLPPP’s webpage
