Lead Poisoning Prevention

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning happens when someone’s exposure to lead causes illness. It is measured by the amount of lead in the blood. If someone has high levels in their blood, healthcare providers can provide medication to help remove it.

How can this affect my child’s health?

Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but children are most at risk. Exposure to lead can cause irreversible damage and can change children’s intelligence, behavior, and health. It is important to prevent it if possible, and treat it if exposed.

How can children be exposed to lead?

Lead can be found in many places. Most commonly, children can ingest dust from lead-based paint. Lead-based paint was used in most homes built before 1978. In Stamford, many homes were built before 1978.

Other common routes of exposure include drinking water, jewelry and pottery, job-based exposure, and using imported consumer goods, such as toys or candies.

What should I do if I think my child has been exposed to lead?

Call your child’s health care provider. They can order a blood test to measure their exposure level. For more information about child blood lead testing in CT, check out this page. In Connecticut, every child between ages 9 months and 35 months must be tested for lead poisoning each year.

What should I do if I think there is lead in my home?

  • If you are a tenant and have concerns about lead in your apartment, contact the owner/agent to have it tested. 
  • If you or your child have been exposed to lead-based paint in the home, the owner/agent is responsible for removing the lead and making the environment safe for their residents.

For more information about lead testing, call 203-977-5911.

For more information about lead for homeowners, check out this resource from the CT Department of Public Health. 

What should I do if I think there is lead in my drinking water?

You should have your water professionally tested. If you have concerns about your water, call the Stamford Department of Health Laboratory for more information on testing - 203-977-4378.

Do not use the water for drinking, eating, or making baby formula until it is tested. You can still use the water to bathe and shower. For other steps you can take, check this factsheet from the CT Department of Public Health.

 

Questions? Contact Us: 203-977-5911

To learn more check out this resource as well as these resources:

https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control-Program

https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm

 

Sources: CDC, 2022; EPA, 2021; CTDPH

Page Last Reviewed: 9/21/22