HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — State officials want to get the lead out of Connecticut homes.
A new campaign is called Lead Free CT hopes to prevent more children from suffering the long-term health issues associated with lead intoxication.
As part of the announcement, Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani introduced us 4-year-old Hugo, whose mother works for the health department. When Hugo was 2, he tested positive for lead.
“His mom, who came to Connecticut from Brazil in 2016, had never heard about lead poisoning,” Juthani said.
Connecticut requires lead screening for children. Lead in paint or in pipes can cause developmental issues that can be irreversible.
Right now, when a child tests above a certain level, it triggers an investigation, but instead of reacting to lead poisoning, state health officials want to act before kids get sick.
“So, investing in lead poisoning prevention — key word ‘prevention’ — yields significant …