hht presentation: lead poisoning prevention (machias, presque isle)

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