childhood lead poisoning prevention branch

ASSURING SAFE PRACTICES

CDPH staff enforce regulatory compliance for lead hazard evaluations and abatement projects. The primary focus is on locations occupied or visited by children, such as residences and public access buildings. They:

Work with local lead poisoning prevention programs and environmental agencies to reduce and eliminate lead hazards and exposures.
Conduct desk audits and field inspections and respond to tips and/or complaints from the public about lead hazards.
Respond to questions from the general public and provide technical assistance to them and other governmental agencies about regulatory requirements and lead-safe work practices.

To view a list of grants identified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that may be used to abate lead or reduce lead hazards, visit our Grants for Reducing Lead Hazards page.

Reporting Unsafe Work Practices

The following work practices may create lead hazards when performed on buildings built prior to 1978, or any industrial structure:

Open flame burning or torching
Machine sanding/grinding without containment
Hydro-blasting/pressure washing without containment
Abrasive/sand blasting without containment
Dry sanding/scraping without containment

If you observe any of these unsafe work practices, contact your local building department or health department. The Tips and Complaints links below include contacts for many local departments. You may also learn more about the services provided by Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs. If you are unable to resolve the problem locally, contact the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, Compliance and Enforcement Unit, at 510-620-5600.