Connecticut Health Department Urges Families to Test Children for Lead During October 25-31 Prevention Week; Annual Testing Required at 9 to 35 Months
Connecticut's Department of Public Health in Hartford is urging families to act during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25 to 31, by testing their children and checking their homes for lead hazards. This year's theme is "Lead-Free Kids," and the campaign aims to help families understand the lead risks around them and how to prevent exposure.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said lead poisoning is preventable and that there is no safe level of lead in a child's body, and she called on health care providers and local health departments to help spread information and resources. She noted that children with lead poisoning may show no obvious symptoms and appear healthy, so parents should especially talk with their child's health care provider about blood lead testing, particularly if the child may have been exposed.
Connecticut requires children aged 9 to 35 months to be tested every year; children in that age range face the highest risk from lead, and early detection gives them the best chance of staying healthy. In 2025, state legislation lowered the blood lead level that triggers a local health department home inspection from 10 to 5 micrograms per deciliter, to ensure earlier intervention.
The department encourages families to take two simple steps this week: give their child a simple blood lead test, and check their home for lead hazards, to protect children from lead exposure.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 位于哈特福德的康涅狄格州议会大厦 / The Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford
