Last Updated: April 2017

Author: Healthy Homes Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Vermont Department of Health

All families with children with a venous confirmed blood lead level of at or above 10 µg/dL are contacted for a home assessment by the Healthy Homes Case Manager. This assessment includes testing the water, dust, paint, soil and toys for lead. In addition to identifying lead hazards, the case manager also uses a "healthy homes" approach to assess the home for other safety concerns—such as asthma triggers, pests, carbon monoxide and home safety.

The Healthy Homes Lead Poisoning Prevention Program compiles annual data for the previous year in April. This means that 2016 data become available in April 2017.

The Healthy Homes Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works with internal and external partners to create a web of referrals for health and housing issues, with feedback loops to ensure timely and effective follow-up for the families of children with confirmed blood lead levels at or above 10 µg/dL.

If the initial lead investigation finds additional health and/or housing issues beyond lead, the Healthy Homes Case Manager will identify and notify the appropriate partner, e.g. a violation of the Vermont Rental Housing Health Code would be referred to the Town Health Officer and a fire safety violation would be referred to the fire safety inspector. After the initial referral, the case manager follows up with the referral agency according to a specified timeline until the issue has been resolved.

In Vermont, it often takes a straightforward approach to case management, which is an advantage that Vermont has in being a less populated, rural state. Lead investigations and case management services are embodied in one person, the Healthy Homes Case Manager.

The Healthy Homes Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is committed to completing a comprehensive healthy homes visit for children who are confirmed to have a blood lead level at or above 10 µg/dL.

The Program also provides services to children who test at a lower blood lead level. Educational materials and testing recommendations are sent to parents whose child has either a capillary or venous blood lead level in the range from 5 µg/dL through 9 µg/dL. The materials include a request form for a free dust wipe kit that enables families to send floor and windowsill dust samples to a laboratory to test for lead. Lab results are sent directly back to the families accompanied by appropriate lead literature. The Healthy Homes Case Manager contacts families of children who have a venous confirmed blood lead level between 5 and 9 µg/dL and offers phone education and referrals.