CT Health Officials Warn Ceramicware Pots Source Of Lead Poison

CONNECTICUT — The state Department of Public Health has issued a warning that ceramicware pots being sold at small neighborhood stores have tested positive for lead.

The pots are sold throughout the state, including at CTown stores, according to DPH.

Test results have shown that the ceramicware utensils were recently identified as the source of lead poisoning for two children in separate families. One of the children’s parents also tested positive for lead poisoning.

“Our DPH Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is collaborating with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and we are working together on an embargo/recall in partnership with the Department of Consumer Protection,” said Acting DPH Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford.

Once a child has been poisoned, the impairment it may cause is irreversible, health officials warned in a news release Monday.

Childhood lead poisoning is a common pediatric public health problem. Lead harms children's nervous systems and is associated with reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities.

The most common source of lead exposure is lead paint in homes built before 1978. There are other sources of lead that can poison a child or adult, and no amount of the toxin is safe.

"We are working together with the Department of Public Health and local health departments to ensure these products are properly labeled," said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull.

Seagull said that her agency is also working with to educate consumers about the potential hazard and prevent future cases of lead poisoning that may be caused by these ceramicware products.

DPH has instructed local health departments to visit their local CTowns and small neighborhood stores that may sell these ceramicware products which are not intended to be used for food contact and cooking. If the ceramicware products are available for sale, the products must be directly labeled as, "not for food use," "may poison food," "may contain lead glazes," "food use may result in lead poisoning," "food consumed from this vessel may be harmful," or "only for decorative use."