The Health Department's Role

The Norwalk Health Department conducts lead poisoning prevention and control efforts through its Housing Program. The Housing Section uses trained and certified staff to conduct epidemiological investigations and lead inspections.

All health care providers in Connecticut are required to conduct universal blood lead testing annually in children younger than 3 years old. Typically, most providers test at 12 months and 24 months of age during well-child visits. If children were not previously tested, providers will test children between 3 and 6 years old, regardless of risk. Providers also test those children older than 6 years old if they have developmental delays (especially if associated with pica).

Once the Health Department receives notification of a child with an elevated blood lead level (5 mcg/dL [micrograms per deciliter] or more), staff will send the parents/guardians an informational packet along with a letter explaining retesting requirements.

If a child has a confirmed blood lead level of 20 mcg/dL or more OR two confirmed blood lead levels between 15-19 mcg/dL taken 90 days apart, the Health Department will conduct an epidemiological investigation and paint sampling from all deteriorated and/or accessible surfaces in a home. These samples are then submitted to the Connecticut Department of Public Health for laboratory analysis.

As part of routine housing code inspections or as a result of a complaint investigation, the Health Department will also conduct lead inspections in homes where children younger than 6 years old reside. The Department also provides educational material about lead upon request.

It is important to remember that there is no safe blood lead level. The Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program’s primary focus is to reduce and eliminate childhood lead poisoning through primary prevention and the assistance of local health care providers.