Although preventable, lead poisoning remains a significant health concern for young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no safe level of lead in a child's blood. Elevated levels can harm a child’s central nervous system and are associated with reduced IQ, behavioral problems and learning disabilities. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Service (Iowa HHS) leads efforts in Iowa to prevent lead poisoning in children below the age of 6 through the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP).
Click on one of the content boxes below to access information for Parents & Guardians; Providers, Labs, and Schools; Local County Programs; or Property Owners.
The CLPPP works to reduce the number of children exposed to lead in Iowa through the following activities:
- Educating parents, providers and communities about the risk of lead poisoning in children and how it can be prevented
- Identifying children with elevated blood lead levels (EBLs)
- Linking the family to services that can help reduce additional lead exposure
- Providing supportive care through case management
- Identifying lead hazards and providing guidance to eliminate or control any hazards found
- Monitoring blood lead levels of children over time to determine prevention and intervention methods
- Referring families for additional services when needed
State and local funds are used to carry out the program statewide through a combination of direct services, and contracts and technical assistance through various community partners, including local health departments, Title V child health clinics, health care providers, area education agencies and housing agencies.
All blood lead tests are required to be reported to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to monitor lead exposure for all Iowans. For more information, contact us at 1-800-972-2026 or online at Contact Us.
Protect your toddler from lead!
Watch the latest Healthy Habit All-Stars video, featuring Lucy’s little sister Parker, and the other Healthy Habit All-Stars. In Episode 6: Parker’s Problem the Healthy Habit All-Stars talk about lead, why it’s dangerous to kids’ health, and ways to stay safe from lead. An educational flyer on this video was also developed for parents. The flyer provides parents with background information on lead and what parents can do to help prevent lead poisoning.
This episode of the Healthy Habit All-Stars is brought to you by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) and the Iowa Department of Education. Share these materials with families of children at risk of exposure to lead, providers, educators, and child care staff.
- Watch Episode 6: Parker’s Problem on YouTube
- Download the educational flyer for Episode 6: Parker's Problem