HARTFORD, Conn.— October 19-24, 2025, is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW). This campaign, highlighted by the theme, “Bright Futures Begin Lead Free”, aims to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness and education.
“There is no safe level of lead for children. The good news is lead poisoning is preventable and early identification through testing provides children the best opportunity to stay healthy,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “A child with lead poisoning may not show any visible signs and may look fine and healthy. This is why it is so important for parents to talk to their child’s health care provider and ask about getting a blood lead test, especially if they have been exposed. Children are required to be tested annually between the ages of 9 months and 35 months as this age group is at the highest risk of exposure to lead hazards.”
In an effort to help reduce lead, DPH launched the LeadFreeCT campaign in 2024. This program uses funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to invest in Connecticut communities so every child can grow up safe from lead. To date, significant ARPA funds have been committed to assist property owners with reducing lead hazards in their homes.
As of July 2025, approximately $1.1 million of ARPA funds were used for lead abatement projects in 87 housing units across the state. Another $4 million in funding has been committed, with 94 housing units awaiting abatement and 73 units that have completed lead inspections. An additional 222 housing units are currently in the intake phase of the program.
In 2024, local health departments were required to conduct home inspections to assess lead hazards for children who had blood lead levels at 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. In 2025, legislation in Connecticut required this level to drop to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, ensuring earlier intervention to protect the health and well-being of children in Connecticut.
The NLPPW campaign is raising awareness in every community so that families can be empowered and take action to reduce lead exposure. We invite you to join us to raise awareness about lead, since every child in every community deserves a bright, lead-free future.
- Know the Facts: Lead is still a problem in many communities. Learn about lead exposure, lead hazards, and how you can protect yourself and your family.
- Get Your Child Tested: A blood test is the best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test if your child may have been exposed to lead.
- Learn About Lead Hazards in Your Home: Learn about how to identify lead hazards in your home, hire a lead-safe certified professional to renovate pre-1978 homes, and assess your home for lead pipes and fixtures.
For more information, please contact your local health department or visit LeadFreeCT.org.
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