Last Updated: September 16, 2025
IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 16, 2025
Media Contact: Cheryle Rodriguez, PIO, Cheryle.rodriguez@vdh.virginia.gov
Meet “Chip”: Virginia’s New Alligator Mascot on a Mission to Tackle Hidden Lead Hazards
The Virginia Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program introduces a friendly reptilian messenger to help families spot and prevent dangerous lead exposure in their homes.
RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has unveiled a creative new public education campaign featuring an unexpected messenger: an alligator mascot named Chip. Aimed at helping families recognize and reduce lead hazards in their homes, Chip brings a friendly, memorable face to an important safety message.
Lead was banned from household paints and water pipes decades ago, but the risk of exposure hasn’t disappeared. Many homes across Virginia still contain lead hazards that can pose serious health risks, especially for young children.
“Lead can have severe and lasting effects on a child’s health and development,” said Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Coordinator Ashley Koski, MPH. “It is often invisible, and symptoms of lead exposure aren’t always obvious. Therefore, many families do not realize they have been exposed until they have been tested.”
Look for Alligator-ing
While lead can be difficult to detect, cracked lead-based paint often has a scaly texture that resembles alligator skin. This is when it becomes hazardous, as chipped, peeling paint can turn into paint chips or dust. It’s commonly found on porches, stair railings, windowsills, and doors, especially in homes built before 1978.
Old paint chips are one of the most common sources of lead exposure because lead can flake into dust, settle on surfaces, and be breathed or swallowed. Other sources include lead-contaminated soil, aging plumbing, and some imported toys or jewelry.
Intact lead-based paint that is in good condition generally does not pose an immediate risk, but it can become dangerous if it deteriorates or is disturbed.
Understanding and Recognizing the Risk
There is no safe level of lead in the blood. Even small amounts can affect a child’s learning, behavior, and physical development. That’s why testing and prevention are so important.
Families with young children, especially ages one and two, are at greater risk for exposure and should ask their health care provider about a lead test. Children on WIC or Medicaid and those living in or regularly spending time in older homes should be tested. Further, children who are newcomers to the United States or those who have a parent with a lead-related hobby or occupation are at greater risk of being exposed. A full list of criteria for children at greater risk can be found at VDH.Virginia.gov/LeadSafe.
“Recognizing the risk is the first step to protecting your child,” Koski said. “We hope that by raising awareness about what to look for, more parents will feel empowered to talk with their child’s doctor about whether their child should be tested for lead.”
How to Reduce Your Risk
Simple ways to reduce the risk of exposure include:
- Regularly cleaning floors and surfaces using wet methods
- Washing children’s hands, toys, and bottles often
- Preventing children from playing in bare soil
- Removing shoes before entering the home
- Preparing nutritious meals high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C
- Using cold tap water for cooking and drinking
- Keeping paint intact and undisturbed
Parents who are concerned about potential lead exposure should talk to their health care provider about testing.
For more information about lead and lead poisoning, visit VDH.Virginia.gov/LeadSafe.