public safety

Get the Lead Out: Testing and Screening for Lead Exposure

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chid with toy in his mouth

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern, especially for young children whose bodies and minds are still developing. Exposure to lead can have long-lasting negative consequences, including:

  • Learning and behavior problems: Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and decreased IQ.
  • Developmental delays: Growth problems and delayed speech and language development.
  • Hearing and vision problems: Lead exposure can even impact a child’s hearing and vision.

Unfortunately, lead is still present in our environment, and in Connecticut, this is of particular concern. Around 70% of the state’s housing stock was built before 1980, and lead paint was commonly used in homes constructed prior to 1978. This means the potential for lead exposure exists in many homes across Connecticut.

The only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test administered by a healthcare provider. Thankfully, Connecticut has taken a crucial step by mandating universal blood lead screening. This means all children in the state are required to be tested at least twice between the ages of 9 months and 35 months.

However, while this initial screening is crucial, only about 60% of children in Connecticut receive the recommended two tests before the age of 3. This is concerning because lead exposure can occur at any time during this critical developmental window.

Here’s what you can do to protect your child:

  • Know your home’s history. If your home was built before 1978, consider getting it tested for lead paint. You can find resources and information on lead testing at https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control-Program.
  • Schedule regular blood lead tests for your child. Talk to your pediatrician about getting your child tested at the recommended intervals, even if you don’t suspect lead exposure.
  • Be aware of potential sources of lead exposure. While lead paint is the most common source, lead can also be found in soil, dust, and even some imported toys, foods, and products.

By taking these steps, we can work together to protect our children from the dangers of lead poisoning and ensure they have the healthy environment they need to thrive. Let’s make sure every child in Connecticut has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.

RECALL ALERT: Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras Found to Contain Lead

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 12,400 Yaomaio children’s rhinestone silver tiaras because they contain lead levels above the federal limit. The tiara with red rhinestones was sold in a package with three other tiara styles (blue, purple, and clear) that are not included in the recall. All four tiaras came in the same cardboard packaging marked “Yaomaio.” Amazon sold them between January 2021 and November 2023 for about $19 a package. Consumers should immediately take the recalled tiaras away from their children, stop using them, and contact LordRoadS for a refund. LordRoadS and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers.

recalled tiara

 

Name of Product: Yaomiao Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras
Hazard: The rhinestones embedded in the recalled tiaras contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: January 25, 2024
Units: About 12,440

Helpful tips for a healthy and safe Halloween

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Kids trick or treat. Halloween fun for children.



Halloween is a favorite holiday for both children and adults, but it is important to make safe and healthy choices while enjoying the occasion. Here are some tips for parents on how everyone can enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween.

Trick-or-treating safety

  • Make sure your child’s costume is well-fitting and flame-resistant.
  • Add reflective tape or stickers to your child’s costume and bag to make them more visible to drivers.
  • Choose a light-colored costume if possible.
  • If your child is wearing a mask, make sure it has large eyeholes and that it allows them to breathe easily.
  • Accompany young children while trick-or-treating.
  • Only trick-or-treat at houses that are well-lit and decorated.
  • Inspect all candy before allowing your child to eat it.

Healthy eating habits with Halloween candy

  • Limit your child’s candy intake.
  • Encourage your child to choose healthier candy options, such as dark chocolate or sugar-free candy.
  • Serve candy with a meal or snack to help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Offer your child other healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average American child consumes between 3,500 and 7,000 calories worth of candy on Halloween. 

Eating too much candy can be a contributing factor in future health problems, including obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes. It’s important to teach your child healthy eating habits at a young age, and Halloween is a good opportunity to start.

Here are some tips for helping your child make healthy candy choices:

  • Talk to your child about the importance of eating healthy foods.
  • Explain that candy is a treat, and that it should be eaten in moderation.
  • Help your child choose healthier candy options, such as dark chocolate or sugar-free candy.
  • Serve candy with a meal or snack to help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Offer your child other healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

By following these tips, you can help your child enjoy Halloween safely and healthily.

When is it safe to swim in a naturally occurring body of water?

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girls swimming in a river

Spending time in natural bodies of water — like oceans, lakes, and rivers — is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

While this can help you stay active, it is important to know that the water we swim, play, wade, and relax in can also spread germs and make you, and those you care about, sick. Germs found in the water and sand (swim area) often come from human or animal feces (poop). One way germs can be carried into swim areas is by heavy rain. Water from heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with (for example, poop from where animals live) and can drain into swim areas.

These germs can also come from humans or animals pooping in or near the water. Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it. It can also cause an infection if you get into the water with an open cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing). If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

Research has shown that the risk of infection is the highest during and the day after rain, and declines to around normal levels after three days.

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