Resources for Families

Lead poisoning in children can be prevented or reduced by frequent hand washing and cleaning of horizontal surfaces in older homes with wet and disposable supplies. If your home was built before 1978, monitor paint conditions and address chipping, flaking, or deteriorated paint and use a lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certified contractor for any home projects. Remove shoes before entering the home, place scuff mats outside home entries, and leave outside toys and tools outside.  

The only way to know if your home has lead or your child has lead poisoning is to test! Lead testing is recommended for children at their 12 and 24-month checkups if yes is answered to any of the following risk questions: 

  1. Is the child eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus, or Colorado Indigent Care Program?
  2. Does the child reside in or regularly visit pre-1978 homes?
  3. Does the child reside in or regularly visit pre-1960 homes regardless of condition?
  4. Is the child a recent immigrant, refugee, or foreign adoptee?
  5. Does the child have a sibling or playmate who has or recently had a confirmed elevated blood lead level?
  6. Does the child have a household member who uses traditional, folk, or ethnic remedies or cosmetics, or who routinely eats food imported from another country?
  7. Does the child have a household member who participates in lead-related occupations such as auto mechanic, construction, or welding, or hobbies such as shooting, pottery, or jewelry making?
  8. Does the child live near industrial areas that may release lead, such as lead smelters, battery recycling plants, airports, or others?
  9. Do you or the parent suspect the child is at risk for lead exposure or does the child exhibit symptoms of lead poisoning (e.g., pica behavior, developmental delays, learning difficulties)?


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