Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

The Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach) conducts lead investigation in homes of children that have been identified by the Division of Communicable Disease and Epidemiology. Health care providers in Florida should follow the screening guidelines at Information for Parents and Caregivers.

• Medicaid eligible children are required to be tested at 12 and 24 months of age and between 36 and 72 months if not previously tested.

• Other children should be tested at that same frequency if they have risk factors, see link to guide above.

• Lead testing is not usually part of a routine pediatric check up.

• If parents believe that their child may be at risk for lead poisoning they should ask their provider to test their child's blood for lead.

Physicians should screen all children and report test results to the Health Department. Reporting of blood lead test results is mandated under Chapter 64D-30 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Information For Health Care Providers.

Current services:

• Environment assessment - dust wipes and soil sampling

• Interpretation of test results

• Lead Consultation

• Comprehensive environmental investigation

• Recommendations for lead mitigation and abatement, and

• Public education through community Outreach

DOH Lead Program

For information about Florida's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and services, please visit the Department's website

Where can I find more information?

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lead Website

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Homes Website

• The Environmental Protection Agency Lead Website

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Lead Website