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Adopt a resolution recognizing October 19-25, 2025, as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution recognizing October 19-25, 2025, as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is observed annually to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and to educate communities on steps to prevent lead poisoning. The World Health Organization 2025 theme, “No safe level: act now to end lead exposure,” emphasizes the urgent need for prevention and early detection, including testing children and homes for lead. The California 2025 theme is “Nutrition as Prevention” demonstrates that a healthy diet, rich in essential nutrients like calcium, iron and vitamic C, can help a body to reduce the absorption of lead, highlighting a simple, proactive step families can take to protect their children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious and lasting health problems, especially in children under six years of age whose growing bodies absorb more lead. Exposure may damage the brain and nervous system, slow growth and development, and lead to learning and behavioral problems. There is no safe level of lead exposure.
Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental illnesses in California and across the nation, yet it is entirely preventable. By recognizing this week and elevating the 2025 themes, Solano County highlights the importance of prevention strategies, including testing, education, and mitigation of lead hazards in the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. There is no general fund impact.
DISCUSSION:
The World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsor National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in partnership with State and local governments. The World Health Organization 2025 theme, “No safe level: act now to end lead exposure,” underscores the importance of taking action now to protect children from exposure to ensure safe, healthy environments.
In Solano County, lead prevention efforts are supported through two complementary programs:
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP): Works with medical providers to ensure children at risk are tested, provides case management for lead-exposed children, and investigates environmental, cultural, and product sources of lead.
• Lead-Based Paint Abatement Program: A collaboration between the Department of Resource Management and Health & Social Services that reduces risks to vulnerable populations by testing, assessing, and mitigating lead-based paint hazards in eligible residences.
Together, these programs provide outreach and education for families, health care providers, and the community, while also addressing specific hazards in high-risk areas. Recognizing October 19-25, 2025 as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week amplifies these efforts and promotes awareness that lead poisoning is preventable.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt a resolution recognizing National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. This is not recommended, as it would reduce visibility for important prevention and abatement efforts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Resource Management, Environmental Health Division partnered with the Solano County Health and Social Services Department, Public Health Division on all prevention activities related to childhood lead poisoning prevention.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION