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Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

The Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (NvCLPPP) is a grant funded program run by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Southern Nevada Health District between 2022 and 2026.

NvCLPPP aims to eliminate one of the most preventable environmental outcomes in children: lead poisoning. In Nevada, lead based paint continues to be the primary source of lead exposure for children. Twenty-five percent of homes in Nevada were built before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint. Additionally, children in Nevada continue to be exposed to a variety of non-traditional lead exposure sources including lead from toys and jewelry; antiques and collectible items; lead-glazed pottery; food, cosmetics, ceremonial powders, and traditional remedies; and occupational or take-home lead exposure from jobs and hobbies.

Reports

Data and Statistics

Program Services

Case Management

Based on a child’s blood lead level, the NvCLPPP provides Case Management. These services include:

  • Monitoring medical care, including regular blood tests, until lead exposure is lower than 10 µg/dL.
  • Coordinating medical care such as lead exposure treatment or hospitalization, if required.
  • Educating family members about lead hazards and ways to decrease lead exposure.
  • Providing Support services such as developmental referrals and WIC/Nutritional referrals.

Environmental Lead Investigation

If a child has been tested with an elevated blood lead level, the NvCLPPP contacts the family to schedule a thorough environmental investigation of all possible sources of lead in order to protect the child from further exposure and harm.

Environmental investigations are performed by an EPA-certified lead risk assessor. The risk assessor interviews the family to determine where the child may have come into contact with lead and will then test these items/areas. Environmental Health staff coordinates these home visits at times that are convenient for the family.

Lead Inspections for Homes Built Before 1978

A lead risk assessment is an on-site visual inspection and environmental sampling of paint, dust, and soil to determine the existence, nature, severity and location of a lead-based paint hazard.

The risk assessor provides a report explaining the investigation results, suggesting ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards and recommend acceptable strategies for controlling any hazards identified. In Nevada, only an EPA-certified risk assessor can perform a risk assessment. A lead risk assessment is not intended to identify all lead painted surfaces in a housing unit and cannot be used to certify or guarantee that a unit is “lead free”.

Lead Surveillance

The Office of Acute Disease Control receives reports of lead exposure from physicians and laboratories operating in Clark County. The information helps determine the magnitude of childhood lead poisoning in the community and guides education and prevention efforts.

Contact Information

Phone:
(702) 759-1000

 

Updated on:  March 27, 2023

2023-03-27T14:51:09-07:00
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