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. Children exposed to lead often do not have any symptoms.

• The only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is to have a simple blood test.  Test your child for lead poisoning each year between ages 9 and 35 months.  For more information speak with your pediatrician.

• Young children are more likely to be exposed to lead paint and lead dust due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. There are ways that you can protect your child from lead poisoning.  Clean toys and interior surfaces regularly, wash your child’s hands often, especially before eating and take steps to prevent ingestion of soil, lead paint chips, or lead dust. For more information visit Reducing Lead Hazards at Home.

• Eating foods that are rich with iron, zinc and calcium can help reduce your child’s risk of lead poisoning.  Visit Lead Poisoning Prevention for more information.

• For more information on how to test your child for lead poisoning visit For Parents.