childhood lead poisoning prevention branch

Lead in Aviation Gas

What is aviation gas?

Aviation gas, or 'avgas,' is a type of fuel used by many small airplanes and helicopters and can create lead in the air and dust near airports. It is the largest source of lead air pollution in the United States. When planes use leaded avgas, they release harmful lead into the air. In neighborhoods near airports, dust from avgas settles on soil, homes and other surfaces.

Why is this a concern?

Lead is a harmful metal, and it is especially dangerous for children because their bodies are still growing. Lead poisoning can make it hard for kids to learn, pay attention, and do well in school. Children who live closer to airports that use leaded avgas can have more lead in their bodies than kids who live further away. There is no safe amount of lead in the body and children are most at risk of lead poisoning. Even if a child doesn't look sick, they can still have lead poisoning.

How can I keep my family safe?

Ask your child's healthcare provider about a simple blood test for lead, especially if you live near an airport that might use leaded avgas.
Use a high efficiency air particulate (HEPA) filter in your home to remove lead particles in the air.
Cover exposed soil with grass, plants, or another ground cover like bark or gravel.
Wet-wipe surfaces when cleaning to reduce dust.
Wash your child's hands often; especially before eating and sleeping and after playing and using the bathroom.
Remove shoes before entering the home.

Register for an Upcoming Workshop Coming this October 2026: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Leaded Aviation Gasoline

Join us for an upcoming hybrid community workshop taking place this October. The California Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch will be hosting 3 community workshops in San Diego, Alameda and Los Angeles Counties that will cover information about lead risks from aviation gasoline (avgas).

At the workshop, you will hear about how lead harms health, what leaded avgas is, what is being done to eliminate leaded avgas in California and across the country, and what communities can do to get children tested and stay safe.

The workshops are free, open to the public, and will be available in person and online. Visit the links below to learn more and register for an upcoming workshop.

San Diego Workshop

Bay Area Workshop

Los Angeles Workshop

Transitioning to Using Unleaded Fuel at General Aviation Airports

CDPH CLPPB recently hosted a virtual workshop where we hosted several experts who are knowledgeable with the steps general aviation airports are taking to transition to unleaded avgas. Learn more about what is happening at the national and state levels with regard to general aviation airports transitioning from using leaded to unleaded fuels by 2030. Visit CLPPB's YouTube playlist to view the recording.