The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Vermont Department of Health recommend that all children be tested for lead at ages 1 and 2. Children who live in older housing or have other potential lead exposures should be screened every year until they reach age 6. Although no obvious symptoms appear, even low levels of lead in a child's blood can affect brain development and contribute to problems later in life.

Vermont Department of Health Lead Screening Guidance
Alliance for Healthly Homes (previously the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Although lead dust from deteriorated paint is the biggest hazard, there are other potential sources of contamination:

• Soil and Dust near roads (contaminated by lead from car exhaust). Click here for more information .
• Soil next to homes or buildings painted with lead paint.
• Water (from lead solder, pipes, brass fixtures). Click here for more information.
• Hobbies (using an indoor firing range, loading shells, making fishing sinkers, making stained glass, glazing pottery, working on cars, and others)
• Old or foreign glazed ceramic dishware / pottery.
• Parent bringing lead dust home from work (painters, remodeling contractors, factory workers, auto repair technicians, etc.)
• Ethnic home remedies such as Greta, Azarcon, Surma, Kohl, or Khali.
• Other consumer products such as older porcelain bathtubs; plastic miniblinds more than 2-3 years old; long-burning candles with metallic wicks; brass keys; and others.

While these exposures are often minimal, the combined affects from a few together can result in poisoning.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) - Vermont Department of Health
Lead Information Hotline: 1-800-439-8550

CLPPP provides case management services to lead poisoned children, coordinates efforts to have young children tested, and educates the public about the dangers of lead. They are the best source for information on the effects of lead poisoning, how to get your child tested, and simple things that can be done to reduce children's exposure to lead.

Lead Poisoning Outreach Materials

Child's IQ Ad
Rental Risk Ad
Lead Liability Ad
Lead-Poisoned Sandbox Ad
Power Sander Ad
New Baby Radio Ad
Renovation Radio Ad
Landlord Radio Ad

Learn more about the Vermont Lead-Based Paint Hazard Abatement Program:

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