Ceramic Products Identified as Source of Lead Poisoning: East Hartford Health Department Advises Residents of Recommendations

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT-DPH) notified the Town of East Hartford that ceramic products which are being sold at small neighborhood shops, including CTown stores throughout the state, have tested positive for lead. Test results have shown that the ceramicware were recently identified as the source of lead poisoning for at least three individuals, including two children.

An East Hartford Health Department environmental specialist conducted an investigation and determined the lead-contaminated ceramics were never sold at the CTown store located in East Hartford.  However, it’s possible residents may have recently purchased the ceramic products at other CTown locations and should be advised they are not intended for cooking or food contact and are only to be used for decoration. 

If a parent is concerned their child may have had an exposure from handling or consuming food served from these products, please contact your child’s pediatrician to determine whether a blood lead test is recommended and follow-up actions if your child has been exposed.  Most children who are exposed to lead have no symptoms. The best way to tell if your child has been exposed is with a blood lead test.

CT-DPH Lead Poisoning Press Release 

Photos of the lead-contaminated ceramic pots

For more information about lead poisoning: CT-DPH Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control

If residents have questions about lead poisoning or the products identified from this investigation, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324.