The main cause of childhood lead poisoning is exposure to chipping and peeling paint in homes built before 1978. Lead can also be passed by an expectant parent to their unborn baby. The good news is that screening and testing for lead can keep babies and children safe from the health risks of lead.
Protect Children with a Lead Test
Children and pregnant persons who are living in homes built before 1978 are at increased risk for lead exposure.
Children
Connecticut protects children by requiring healthcare providers to test all children between 9 and 35 months of age each year for lead. Testing is the only way to know for sure if a child has been exposed to lead. Talk to your healthcare provider about lead testing.
Pregnant Persons
Lead poisoning can cause serious problems during pregnancy for parents and their unborn baby. If you are expecting a baby and recently spent time outside the U.S., work in an occupation where you can be exposed to lead, or live in pre-1978 housing, talk to your provider about getting a lead test.
Healthcare Providers
Connecticut wants to protect people from lead exposure. That’s why state law requires that all children between 9 and 35 months of age get tested for lead annually. Because lead can be passed from an expectant parent to an unborn baby, pregnant people should also be screened to see if lead testing is necessary.
For more resources about lead poisoning prevention in Connecticut, visit the Department of Public Health.