16 Del. C. §§ 2601, 2612 § 2601
Short title; definitions
Operative Text
(a) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act.” (b) For purposes of this chapter: (1) “Department” means the Department of Health and Social Services. (2) “Elevated blood lead level” means a blood lead level that meets or exceeds 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or a blood lead level established by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s blood lead reference value, whichever is lower. (3) “Lead-exposure site” means the location where a child was most likely exposed to lead. (4) “Program,” used as a proper noun, means the Delaware State Lead-Based Paint Program created under § 2607 of this title. (5) “Screening” means a capillary blood lead test, including where a drop of blood is taken from a finger or heel of the foot. (6) “Testing” means any of the following: a. A venous blood test in which blood is drawn from a vein. b. Two capillary blood screenings collected within 12 weeks of each other.
Section 2601 and 2612 of Title 16 of the Delaware Code establish the formal name and key definitions for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. The provision sets out what terms like 'elevated blood lead level,' 'lead-exposure site,' 'screening,' and 'testing' mean throughout the chapter, anchoring the blood lead threshold to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or the CDC's current reference value, whichever is lower. These definitions shape how all other requirements and protections in the Act are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Delaware should be aware that 16 Del. C. §§ 2601 and 2612 lay the definitional groundwork for the entire Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, including the Delaware State Lead-Based Paint Program. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these defined terms—particularly 'lead-exposure site' and the distinction between 'screening' and 'testing'—because subsequent sections of the Act use these definitions to establish specific obligations. Understanding how 'elevated blood lead level' is defined, including its tie to evolving CDC guidance, helps operators stay current as federal reference values may change over time.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 16 Del. C. §§ 2601 and 2612, Delaware's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act uses precise definitions to determine when a child's blood lead level triggers protections and what qualifies as a valid screening or test. Tenants with children should be aware that the Act distinguishes between a capillary 'screening' and a more definitive 'testing' process, which can affect how a potential lead-exposure situation is evaluated. Tenants who believe their home may be a 'lead-exposure site' as defined by this provision may consider reaching out to the Department of Health and Social Services or a local tenant-rights organization to understand what steps are available under the Act.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation