Connecticut's Lead Free CT Program Continues, Earns Praise, One Year After Launch

Many homes in Connecticut built before 1978 contain lead, posing a potential risk to children.  Under a state initiative launched a year ago, Connecticut residents can make their older homes lead-safe by removing lead paint hazards at no cost.

If you own a property where a pregnant person or a child under age 6 lives, you may qualify for free abatement services. Abatement involves eliminating or removing lead paint hazards.

According to the state Department of Public Health, every year, more than 1,000 young children in Connecticut are affected by lead exposure. The department, under the statewide initiative, “is working in every community to create a lead-free future for our state.”  Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common pediatric public health problems, yet it is 100% preventable, according to state officials.

Landlords, homeowners, renters, and individuals operating a child care business in their home can apply for free removal of lead hazards; information about how to apply can be accessed at www.leadfreect.org

Officials point out that Connecticut protects children by requiring healthcare providers to test all children between 9 and 35 months of age each year for lead. Testing is the only way to know for sure if a child has been exposed to lead, they add.

Additionally, “If you are expecting a baby and recently spent a long time outside the U.S., work in an occupation where you can be exposed to lead, or live in pre-1978 housing,” state residents are urged to “talk to your healthcare provider about getting a lead test.”

The statewide program is described as a “high-demand” initiative, earning widespread praise and appreciative comments, including these from a Stratford family: "We were grateful to have a place to stay without having to worry about these costs. We are relieved to be home and no longer have to worry about the safety of our son in terms of being exposed to lead. We had plenty of questions and your guidance throughout the entire process was superb and helpful."

A Milford family was also among those giving the state program high marks: "Thank you so much for everything you did to fix the lead problem in our home and create a safe and healthy environment for our family.  We are incredibly happy with all of the work that was done including replacing the mudroom window and the porch overhang.  The work that was done on the stairs exceeded our expectations.  We also appreciate the thorough cleaning."

By July 2025, a total of 87 units had lead abatement conducted, totaling approximately 1.1 million dollars.  Additionally, 4 million dollars have been committed, according to DPH officials, which includes projects under contract and awaiting a start date, or currently under construction. The numbers, and the stage of the process they’re in since applying to the program, are as follows:

• 94 units – Construction has begun or will begin shortly

• 16 units – Contracts with contractor in the process of being signed so work can begin

• 9 units – Contractor being awarded after bid walk through

• 47 units – Bid walk through with contractors complete and pending contractor

• 73 units – Lead inspection completed, ready for bid walk through

• 222 units – In the intake phase of the program

Connecticut is also working to make sure that drinking water in public water systems is safe from lead.  Public water systems across our state are checking water pipes to find ones made of lead.

“These pipes connect the main water line to homes and buildings. When water flows through lead pipes, the lead can get into your drinking water. This is dangerous for your health,” the state’s website points out.

Lead can cause behavior problems in children, speech and language delays, poor school performance, and may have long-term health effects, such as headaches, dizziness, decreased motor skills, fatigue and memory loss, the state’s website explains.  In Connecticut, the website notes “In Connecticut, Black and Latino children, and children residing in older housing, are more commonly impacted by these risks.”

For homeowners, there are no income limitations or requirements to be eligible for this lead abatement program.  The overall process, according to the information provided on the website, “should take between 4-6 months from the time of application to abatement completion. The actual abatement work usually takes an average of 12-14 days to complete.”

In announcing the program a year ago, state officials indicated that it was being funded by $20 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, describing it as a “limited-time program” that will help in the safe removal of lead hazards from homes, including family childcare settings. DPH officials indicate that they expect the program to continue through the end of 2026, with that funding in place.

Participation in this program is entirely voluntary and free of charge to homeowners and landlords. The Connecticut Department of Public Health is partnering with the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to administer the program.

A Naugatuck property owner summed up the program’s potential and unfolding reality across Connecticut in responding to a DPH survey: "I really appreciate your help and support, and I also want to express my gratitude for this program. It has been a tremendous help not just for me as a rental property owner but also for my tenants. It truly is a great program, and I cannot thank you all enough."