Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Beginning Nov. 20, 2023, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered to their home by visiting COVIDTests.gov. If you did not order tests this fall, you may place two orders for a total of eight tests. Additionally, before you discard any “expired” test kits you have, please check here to see if the expiration dates of your COVID-19 tests have been extended.

For Homeowners

 

Homeowners and Lead Paint  

Lead paint was banned for use in home paint in 1978. Therefore, homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint.

Homeowners should use lead-safe work practices during renovation activities, such as painting and window replacement to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

Renovations, Repair and Painting (RRP)

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule), which is aimed at protecting the public from lead-based paint hazards associated with renovations, repairs and painting activities. These activities can create hazardous lead dust when surfaces with lead paint are disturbed.

 

The RRP Rule requires homeowners to hire an EPA RRP-certified renovator to complete renovations and repairs on pre-1978 housing. For more information, a homeowner may visit the EPA’s website to locate an EPA RRP-certified renovator, click here.

 

For more information on hiring an EPA RRP-certified renovator, click here.

 

If a homeowner believes that an EPA RRP-certified firm and/or renovator is violating the RRP rule, click here to submit a tip or complaint to the EPA .

 

Lead Safe Work Practices

Homeowners attempting to do their own renovations or repairs should familiarize themselves with lead safe work practices, which include:

  • Do not dry scrape or sand painted surfaces
  • Wet all painted surfaces before scraping or sanding
  • Do not power wash (some towns have local ordinances prohibiting power washing)
  • Use personal protective equipment when working on painted surfaces
  • Use containment and barriers to prevent paint chips and dust from spreading from work area 

Lead Abatement

 

If a child under the age of 6 is determined to have an elevated blood lead level, the local health department will be required to complete an epidemiological investigation (the completion of a comprehensive lead inspection and child related questionnaire).

 

Resources for Homeowners