Eliminating Lead Poisoning in San Diego
Childhood lead poisoning is the number one preventable environmental
health problem facing children today. The City of San Diego is committed
to help end childhood lead poisoning.
To report a lead violation on pre-1979 buildings (including suspected
deteriorating lead paint on a home or renovation and contractors un-safely
disturbing suspected lead paint), call the Environmental Services Department
at 858-694-7000.
New Lead Hazard Prevention and Control Ordinance
The new Lead Hazard Prevention and Control Ordinance (PDF: 6MB) was unanimously
approved by City Council and signed into law by the Mayor on April 9,
2008. The effective start date for the ordinance is May 9, 2008.
This ordinance was developed with the primary purpose to eliminate lead
hazards and prevent lead poisoning through lead-safe housing and ensuring
lead-safe work practices. Preventing lead poisoning is critical to the
health of our children. If a child has been exposed to lead, even at low
levels, it will result in permanent damage.
The new ordinance includes five key requirements intended to prevent
lead poisoning:
- Renovators are required to use lead-safe work practices when disturbing
lead paint that contains lead concentrations equal or greater than 1000
ppm or 0.5 mg/cm2 on all pre-1979 buildings. Depending on the lead concentrations
and the quantities of paint being disturbed, lead dust clearances may
also be required.
- Property owners are required to correct lead hazards in pre-1979 buildings
after notice of the lead hazard.
- Property owners are required to perform visual inspection and correction
of presumed lead hazards prior to re-occupancy of a vacant rental unit.
- Home improvement/water pressure equipment rental stores are required
to make available lead education material to customers.
- Childcare facilities are required to obtain proof of blood lead testing
at enrollment.
For additional information, send an email to Lead-safe@sandiego.gov or call 858-694-7000.
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