For Local Health II

For Local Health

Local Health Management of Lead Poisoning Cases

Local Health Regulatory Response & Reporting

Local Health Department Follow-up Requirements

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Page available every October

Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls for Lead

Takes you to the CPSC web site.

Local Health Management of Lead Poisoning Cases

DPH works in conjunction with Local Public Health Departments in Connecticut to prevent lead poisoning of children and to protect lead poisoned children from further lead exposure. Connecticut regulations (see resources below) set the guidelines for local health departments' involvement in lead poisoning cases. The following two blood lead testing results trigger environmental case management at the local health department level:

A venous test result of 20 µg/dL of blood or greater or
Two venous tests taken at least three months apart with results between 15 and 19 µg/dL of blood.

Upon receipt of each report of confirmed venous blood lead level equal to or greater than 20 µg/dL of blood, the local director of health shall:

make or cause to be made an epidemiological investigation to determine source of lead poisoning;
order action to be taken by the appropriate person responsible for the condition to prevent further exposure of persons to such poisoning;
shall utilize such community resources, as are available, to effect relocation of any family occupying such unit if where such action will not result in removal of the hazard within a reasonable time;
permit occupancy in said residential unit during abatement if, in such director’s judgment, occupancy would not threaten the health and well-being of the occupants; and
not later than thirty days after the conclusion of such director’s investigation, report to the Commissioner of Public Health the result of such investigation and the action taken to ensure against further lead poisoning from the same source, including any measures taken to effect relocation of families.

Upon receipt of two (2) confirmed venous blood lead tests taken at least three months (90 days) apart, that are equal to or greater than 15 µg/dL but less than 20 µg/dL, the local director of health shall:

provide or cause to be provided, to the parent or guardian of a child reported with information describing the dangers of lead poisoning, precautions to reduce the risk of lead poisoning, information about potential eligibility for services for children from birth to three years of age;
conduct an on-site inspection to identify the source of the lead; and
order remediation of such sources by the appropriate persons responsible for the conditions at such source.

For medical follow-up guidelines click here.

Local Health Department Follow-up Requirements

For confirmed venous test results of 5 µg/dL and greater

Local Health Departments must provide parents/guardians with information describing the dangers of lead poisoning, precautions to reduce the risk of lead poisoning, information about potential eligibility for services for children from birth to three years of age, and laws and regulations concerning lead abatement.
Generate re-test reminder letters for parents/guardians (children should be retested within 3 months).

For DPH-approved education packet click here

Best Practices for Capillary test results of 10 µg/dL and greater

Local Health Departments provide parents/guardians with information describing the dangers of lead poisoning, precautions to reduce the risk of lead poisoning, information about potential eligibility for services for children from birth to three years of age, and laws and regulations concerning lead abatement.
Generate re-test reminder letters for parents/guardians (click here for testing guidance).

For DPH-approved education packet click here