Lead Information for Parents

Protecting children from lead poisoning is important for overall health and can be prevented. Lead poisoning in children can cause developmental delays, difficulty learning, behavioral issues, and neurological damage. Lead paint in homes built before 1978 is the most common source of lead exposure for children in Connecticut. Young children are more likely to be exposed to lead paint and lead dust due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Children exposed to lead often do not have any symptoms. The only way to determine if your child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test. The amount of lead in blood is referred to as a blood lead level, which is measured in micrograms per deciliter of blood (µg/dL). Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a lead test.

Universal blood lead screening is mandated for children

• All children between the ages of 9 and 35 months must be tested annually
• All children between the ages of 36 and 72 months must be tested if not previously tested for lead in blood or if at elevated risk based on medical assistance program enrollment or residence in a municipality with elevated lead exposure risk
• All children under 72 months must be tested if clinically indicated
• Healthcare providers must provide education and guidance to parents regarding lead poisoning prevention before testing
• Healthcare providers must notify parents when a child has a blood lead level greater than 3.5 µg/dL
• Medical providers must conduct a medical risk assessment at least annually for children between the ages of 36 and 72 months

A child’s blood lead screen is a sample from the finger or heel (capillary). If a child’s screening result is greater than 3.5 µg/dL, a confirmation blood test (venous) is required.

Blood Lead Test Results:

• Less than 3.5 µg/dL – no further action required
• Between 3.5 and 9.9 µg/dL – retest within 3 months
• Between 10 and 19.9 µg/dL – retest within 1 month
• Between 20 and 44.9 µg/dL – retest within 2 weeks or as soon as possible
• 45 µg/dL or greater – may require hospitalization and additional services
  • Regional Lead Treatment Centers: There are two Regional Lead Treatment Centers in Connecticut that specialize in providing guidance and assistance with clinical management of a lead poisoned child.
    • Connecticut Children’s Medical Center: (860) 837–9901
    • Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital: (203) 688–2195

Recommendations to Reduce Lead in Blood:

• Talk to your child’s pediatrician about their blood lead test result
• Look for chipping, peeling, or flaking paint in homes built before 1978
• Monitor your child’s activities to prevent ingestion of soil, lead paint chips, or lead dust
• Wash your child’s hands often, especially before eating
• Clean toys and interior surfaces using wet cleaning methods weekly
• Introduce foods rich in calcium, iron, and zinc
• Call your local health department to discuss ways to keep your child safe

For additional guidance, please visit our educational materials page.