Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

What is lead?

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead is banned in residential paint, automotive gasoline, and many consumer products such as toys and cookware, due to its harmful health effects. It can affect almost every system of the body, and its effects are irreversible. Lead is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women, and can cause developmental delays, behavioral issues, and hearing loss in babies and children. Adults may experience damaging effects to the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and reproductive systems.  Although some uses of lead were discontinued long ago, lead is still found in our homes and the environment.

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at the WCDPHE works to prevent and reduce lead exposure in children.

Get children tested, know the facts, and take action!

For more information, check out the additional web pages, below.  If you don't find what you're looking for, please give us a call at (970) 400-6415.  

Is There Lead in Your Soil?

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Weld County’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is hosting a free SoilSHOP (Soil Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership) event.  Come prepare for the gardening season and learn about the safety of your soil!  Free seedlings will be given to the first 10 participants.

When:  Friday, April 17, 2026 | 10am - 1pm

Where: Eaton Grove Nursey | 35901 County Rd 31, Eaton, CO

Why:  Lead is a metal that may be present in soil from old degraded paint, the historical use of leaded gasoline, or other industrial sources.  Lead-contaminated soil is a common source of lead poisoning, which is especially harmful to young children.

How:  Follow these instructions(PDF, 1MB) to collect a sample from your yard.  Complete this form(PDF, 280KB), to the best of your ability, to be submitted with your sample(s). You may print the form and complete it by hand or send an electronic copy to ctheisen@weld.gov. Paper forms will also be available to fill out at the event. 

 

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