Childhood lead poisoning continues to be a major, preventable environmental health problem. Children, who are most at risk to the harmful effects of lead, continue to be exposed to this toxic metal at an unacceptable rate. 

Even small amounts of lead can build up in the body and cause lifelong learning and behavior problems, as well as damage the brain, kidneys and nervous system.  There is no safe level of lead in the blood.  The current level of concern, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is 10 ìg/dL (micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood).     

The primary source of childhood lead poisoning in New Hampshire is from exposure to lead paint and dust in homes built before 1978.  Children under the age of six who live in housing built before 1978 are at greatest risk.  Lead-based paint may be a risk if it is chipping, flaking or cracking.  Intact lead-based paint may be a risk when it is on building components such as windows, doors, and floors that are subject to friction and impact through normal use or when it is on chewable surfaces.  Renovations or remodeling of homes built before 1978 also presents a risk when work is not done in a lead-safe manner.  Almost one in three New Hampshire children identified with a significantly elevated blood lead level (BLL) was exposed as a result of recent renovations.

The only way to know for sure if your child has lead poisoning is a simple blood test.  Ask your child's doctor about having a blood test done or contact CLPPP for information about where to have your child tested.

The CLPPP is a resource for New Hampshire residents who need help addressing the hazards of lead in their children's environment.  The CLPPP is committed to eliminating elevated BLLs among New Hampshire children.  Elimination of childhood lead poisoning is defined as "no child less than six years of age will have a BLL ³ 10 ìg/dL by 2010".  The CLPPP includes six program components:

• case management for lead poisoned children;
• environmental inspections for lead poisoned children;
• licensing and certification of lead paint professionals;
• statewide monitoring of all reported child and adult BLLs;
• professional and public education; and
• policy and rule development and enforcement.

CLPPP staff provide phone consultation, referrals, and guidance to parents and caregivers, health care providers, property owners, contractors, and other interested parties.  For a child less than six years of age with a confirmed BLL of ³ 20 ìg/dL, staff investigate the child's environment, which results in further recommendations or actions to make the child's environment lead-safe.  The program also provides consultation and monitoring for adults with elevated blood lead levels.

The CLPPP offers information and training on practical, low-cost methods to safely control, contain and clean up lead paint and dust that is disturbed during renovations on houses built before 1978.  For property owners and contractors, the program provides guidance on federal and state rules and laws, including the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Disclosure Rule.  CLPPP licenses and certifies all New Hampshire:

• lead abatement contractors;
• lead abatement supervisors;
• lead abatement workers;
• lead paint inspectors;
• risk assessors; and  
• training providers.