WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Madison Health Department in cooperation with the CT. Department of Health monitors and performs follow up review of active local cases of lead poisoning in children including treatment and hazard abatement.

All residents who have children under six years old are encouraged to insure that their homes are safe from lead hazards. The primary danger to children is lead paint that has deteriorated and is chipping or flaking. Lead paint has a slightly sweet taste and enhances small children's propensity to put almost anything in their mouths. Lead additives in paint were banned in 1978, so those who live in houses built before then are encouraged to test for the presence of lead. Special attention should be paid to windowsills and other areas that are within easy reach of toddlers. If you suspect or know you have a lead paint hazard in your home you should not attempt to remove it yourself. The dust and paint flakes you create can make the situation much worse.

Water can carry lead from old pipes and lead soldered joints and fixtures. While not common, residents living in older homes should have their water tested for lead contamination.

Brochures about lead hazards are available at Town of Madison Campus at the Public Works information table, the E. C. Memorial Library and the Depot. Additional information is available from the following phone information lines and web sites:

1-800-424-5323 is the National Government sponsored Lead Information Hotline.

www.hud.gov/offices/lead has a great amount of information, brochures available for download and links to many other information sources.

Lead evaluation and hazard abatement services in Connecticut are licensed by the state and residents are urged to contact licensed services when evaluating the safety of their homes. The following listings are current (August, 2001) licensed lead evaluation and hazard control services. Current listings are always available at phone: 1-800-5323-5478 or on the web at: www.leadlisting.org

Providers Who Offer Lead Evaluation Services in Connecticut

The Connecticut State Health Department maintains a current list of inspectors and remediation contractors. For further information: http://www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/Lead/Licensing_lists/lp_liclead.pdf