On August 7 Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of Lead Free CT, a program that aims to protect children across the state from the harmful effects of lead exposure by helping homeowners and landlords safely remove lead paint from houses.
The program’s launch brings with it a free lead abatement program funded with $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Those interested in participating in the voluntarily zero-cost abatement program can check their eligibility at https://leadfreect.org/.
The abatement program is only running for a limited time so those interested in participating are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.
“Every year, more than 1,000 Connecticut children are impacted by lead,” Governor Lamont said in a press release. “Lead poisoning can affect our children by causing health and brain changes that may impact them through school years and beyond – causing behavior problems, poor performance, and a risk of long-term, negative impacts. Based on the data of children tested in Connecticut, where blood lead levels trigger the requirement for environmental testing of the home, lead-based paint and lead dust in pre-1978 homes are the largest contributors to childhood lead exposure in homes.”
