Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Eric Frohmberg

Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Significant decrease in lead poisonings over time.

What does lead poisoning mean?

• It’s real – good studies over the last 30 years

• Lead hurts brain development

• Harder for kids to learn

• Changes how they learn

• Changes behavior

• Depends on “dose” – no wiggle room with lead

How does lead poisoning happen?

• Dust from lead paint.

• Greatest exposure is when children are most sensitive

• Children’s natural behavior

Lead Poisoning in Maine

• 40% of our lead poisonings in 5 cities

• 80%-90% of poisonings in 5 cities are rentals

Rental v home

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

% private% rental

If you are a landlord

• A child gets poisoned. Permanent damage

• All apartments in building are inspected

• May have to relocate tenants

• Abate all units

• Apartment posted, cannot rent / cannot evict

Outreach

• Direct mailing to parents of 1 and 2 year olds

• Test and identify lead sources

HOME LEAD DUST TESTING

Results from Homeowners and TenantsAs of 8/31

Homeow ner67%

Tenant33%

Result LevelsAs of 8/31

Low79%

Medium7%

High14%

QUESTIONS

Eric FrohmbergPhone (tollfree in Maine)1-866-292-3474Email: ehu@maine.gov

www.maine.gov/healthyhomes