The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is urging parents, healthcare providers, and caregivers to have children tested for lead exposure as part of efforts to prevent lead poisoning. The Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is focused on raising awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and the importance of blood lead testing for children.
Megan Snow, manager of the Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, stated, “Lead is still a problem in many communities. We want families to learn about lead exposure, and if their child is at risk, they should get a blood test to find out if their child has lead poisoning. Lead exposure can slow growth and development, and cause learning and behavior problems. Increasing parent and provider awareness is critical to increasing Colorado’s testing rates.”
The program reviews blood test results and offers free in-home environmental investigations for children whose blood lead levels are above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Since July 2024, 68 in-home investigations have been conducted, resulting in a 41.4% reduction in blood lead levels among participating children.
During these home visits, staff also provide a free spice swap service. Some imported spices can contain lead, so staff test these products and replace them with safer alternatives.
To expand access to testing, CDPHE has distributed twenty LeadCare II analyzers to areas identified as high-risk with low testing rates. Additional testing kits have been provided to local public health agencies and clinics.
Healthcare provider education is also a priority. The department recently held a webinar series attended by 90 providers, focusing on early identification of blood lead poisoning and support steps following exposure.
Outreach efforts include educational initiatives targeting parents and children, particularly in areas with higher risk or lower testing rates. The department developed Colorado’s first Lead Exposure Prevention Curriculum for parents and K–5 students. Elementary students also have an opportunity to participate in an artwork contest aimed at increasing awareness of lead poisoning prevention.
CDPHE’s Test and Fix Water for Kids Program addresses another potential source of lead exposure by helping public schools and licensed child care programs reduce lead in drinking water. The program provides free training, testing, remediation, and technical assistance. To date, over 1,700 schools, 2,400 child care facilities, and 400 child care homes have been tested for lead. More than 90% of required remediation measures—such as removing or replacing faucets and fountains or posting “handwashing-only” signs—have been completed. This initiative protects over 700,000 children from potential lead exposure through drinking water in schools and childcare programs across Colorado.
For more information on preventing lead poisoning, the public is encouraged to visit CDPHE’s Lead and health and Lead testing webpages.
