Childhood Blood Lead Levels in Connecticut
Why blood lead testing matters
Blood lead level (BLL) testing is the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead. Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, learning, and behavior. Connecticut tracks childhood lead exposure through its blood lead surveillance program, which helps identify communities where children need screening and support.
Connecticut's blood lead surveillance program
Connecticut's Department of Public Health (DPH) runs the state's childhood lead poisoning prevention program. The program collects data on blood lead levels in children through:
- Medicaid-covered screening for all children ages 1–5 enrolled in Connecticut Medicaid
- Voluntary reporting from healthcare providers and laboratories throughout the state
- County-level tracking of the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (≥5 µg/dL, the CDC reference value)
The CDC monitors this data nationally. Connecticut publishes its findings through the DPH Lead Program office, which tracks trends and works with local health departments to follow up with families and reduce lead hazards in homes and water systems.
How to access Connecticut's blood lead data
To request detailed surveillance data or county-level BLL percentages:
- Contact the Connecticut DPH Lead Program directly through their website or by calling your local health department
- Ask for the most recent year of blood lead surveillance data for your county or town
- Request information on screening rates and follow-up services available to your family
The CDC also publishes aggregated state-level data through its national surveillance system, which you can access through the CDC's lead prevention website.
What elevated blood lead means
An elevated blood lead level (≥5 µg/dL) signals that a child has been exposed to lead and may need follow-up testing, home assessment, or source removal. Do not delay—talk to your pediatrician immediately if your child has an elevated BLL. They can help identify sources in your home, water system, or environment and connect you with local resources.
If you suspect lead in your home water, contact your local water utility to request a lead service line inventory (now required by law) and consider getting your water tested.
Next steps for residents
- Request a blood lead test for your child ages 1–5 through your pediatrician or local health department if one hasn't been done
- Contact your water utility to learn if your home has a lead service line and request a water test
- Call the DPH Lead Program or your town health department to ask about free or low-cost lead hazard assessment and remediation programs
```json [ { "q": "What is a normal blood lead level for children in Connecticut?", "a": "The CDC's reference value is 3.5 µg/dL; Connecticut and most states consider ≥5 µg/dL elevated. No amount of lead is completely safe, so even lower levels warrant investigation. Ask your pediatrician about your child's specific result." }, { "q": "Is Connecticut Medicaid required to cover lead screening?", "a": "Yes. Connecticut Medicaid covers blood lead screening for all enrolled children ages 1–5 as part of early childhood care. If your child is enrolled, ask your healthcare provider to order a test." }, { "q": "How do I find out if my town has high childhood blood lead levels?", "a": "Contact the Connecticut DPH Lead Program or your local health department and request county or town-level BLL percentages. They can tell you screening rates and whether your area has a higher percentage of elevated cases." }, { "q": "Can lead in drinking water cause high blood lead levels in children?", "a": "Yes, especially if your home has a lead service line or old plumbing. Water is often not the only source—lead paint and soil are common too. A blood test identifies exposure; your pediatrician and utility can help trace the source