Child-care facilities at the University of California, Davis, are lead-free, according to a recent survey by the campus. Testing of the student family housing area, however, found lead-based paint in some exterior areas such as trim, handrails and in old undercoats on screen doors, as well as in some isolated spots inside two apartments. While the contamination is considered minimal and campus officials don't believe it poses a significant health risk, plans are being prepared to contain or remove the lead-based paint. The screen doors will be replaced. "We're not required by law to do any of this, but we believe the university should provide a safe environment for children," said Bern Shanks, director of environmental health and safety for the campus. Campus officials decided to survey campus child-care facilities and family housing after lead was detected earlier this summer in the old undercoats of paint in some of the facilities of a campus teaching and research program called the Early Childhood Laboratory. The 29 children enrolled in the preschool program -- now on summer break -- will be moved to a nearby building that is free of lead-based paint. Further testing determined that the lab's infant and toddler programs are housed in buildings free of lead-based paint. The university and the environmental consulting firm Harding, Lawson Associates recently completed testing of soil, sand, water and paint at child-care facilities at King Hall, La Rue Park, Russell Park and community centers at Orchard and Solano parks. In addition, a classroom at Wellman Hall used in the past for elementary education programs and bathrooms at the campus Recreation Pool were tested. No lead contamination was found in any of these areas. Roughly 10 percent of the 476 apartments that make up Orchard Park and Solano Park family housing were tested in a representative sampling. Staff found lead-based paint mostly in exterior areas: handrails, porch support columns, paint trim and screen doors. Lead-based paint was identified on one wall inside each of two apartments. Since painting and maintenance of the apartments is carefully regulated by the campus, housing officials speculate that the two walls may have been painted without permission by former residents. The campus plans to survey the remaining apartments as they are vacated or as needed. Roughly 60 percent of the family apartments house children. "If residents notice any chipping, peeling or other paint problems, we ask that they report them to the office," said Fred Costello, director of community and student family housing as well as child-care services. Results of the survey findings will be shared with residents in family housing on campus and informational meetings are being scheduled. According to Dr. Robert Bates, Yolo County's health officer, a screening test for lead is generally recommended for all young children, especially under three years of age, who spend a significant amount of time in buildings built before 1960. "This is especially important if these older buildings have peeling paint or have had recent remodeling or renovation that may have generated paint dust," he said. Questions may be directed to Fred Costello at 752-2494 or the campus's Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 752-3575. Lead screening is available without charge to low-income families through the county's Child Health and Disability Prevention program. Call 666-8645 for more information.