lead poisoning

Find out how to become certified to perform Essential Maintenance Practices (EMPs) under the Vermont Lead Law.

Many Vermont schools and childcare facilities are in older buildings, which means they are more likely to have lead in their plumbing. Because there is no safe level of lead in the body, and young children absorb lead into their systems more easily than adults do, it's important to ensure lead levels in drinking water are as low as possible. Fixing a lead in drinking water problem is often easy and low cost. Solutions can include replacing plumbing fixtures, removing redundant or seldom-used fixtures, and encouraging the use of centrally located, well-maintained bottle fill stations.

Vermont law requires all schools and licensed or registered child care facilities to test their drinking water for lead and remediate if levels are at or above 4 parts per billion (ppb).

While a major source of lead exposure in Vermont children is paint, lead in older plumbing and fixtures can add to a child’s overall lead exposure.

The Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law — passed in 1996 and updated in 2008 — requires owners of rental housing and child care facilities built before 1978 to help prevent lead poisoning.

While a major source of lead poisoning in Vermont children is paint, lead in older plumbing, pipes and fixtures can add to a child’s overall lead exposure.

Children interact with our environment much differently than adults do and continue to grow and develop, which is why children’s environmental health is so important.

Lead poisoning can be prevented when you know what danger signs and hazards to look for in your home and in other places.

There is no safe level of lead in the body. Lead can harm anyone, but babies, young children and pregnant women are at special risk.

The Healthy Homes Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works with health care providers to ensure that all 1- and 2-year-old children are tested for lead.