Lead Poisoning for Local Health Officers

Identifying potential issues in homes you visit

Tina Bernier, Environmental Coordinator

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Role of MCLPPP Environmental Coordinator

• Work with parents of children with elevated blood lead levels to determine where lead is coming from through environmental testing

• Enforce abatement of lead hazards identified in rental properties (Lead Poisoning Control Act)

• Provide support for lead dust testing program• General guidance for folks with questions about lead

“Target Housing”

Lead paint banned for use in housing -1978(HUD & EPA use this date for lead disclosure and RRP purposes)

Pre-1950 housing is where we see majority of EBLLs

in Maine

04/20/23 5

• Statewide: 80% of poisonings are in rental properties

• 40-50% of our lead poisonings in 5 cities

• 90% of poisonings in pre-1950 housing; 80% pre-1925

Two pictures of Lead Poisoning in Maine

Old rental properties in towns and cities

Old single family homes in rural areas

How is lead dust created?

• Lead paint in poor condition

• Friction on leaded surfaces

• Impacts to leaded surfaces

• Renovation

Lead paint in poor condition creates lead dust

So does rubbing, scraping, and sanding of leaded paint in fair condition!

Lead Paint was Used on Wood and in Places where Moisture was an Issue

• Floors, if painted

• Windows

• Doors

• Trim

• Exteriors

Exteriors and Porches

Doors (interior and exterior)

Windows

Floors, stairs, common areas

Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program:

• Tina Bernier, Environmental Coordinator: (207)287-5668 tina.bernier@maine.gov

• Susan Lee, Health Coordinator: (207)287-8671 susan.j.lee@maine.gov

• MCLPPP general contact numbers: (207) 287-4311 or (866)292-3474

• www.maine.gov/healthyhomes

Lead Poisoning for Local Health Officers

Lead laws

Tina Bernier, Environmental Coordinator

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Lead Poisoning Control Act

• Children get a blood lead screening.

• All apartments in building are inspected

• May have to relocate tenants

• Abate all units

• Apartment posted, cannot rent / cannot evict

Warranty of Habitability

Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program:

• Consumer Law Guide Chapter 14: http://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/consumer_law_guide.shtml

• Pine Tree Legal: http://www.ptla.org• Tina Bernier, Environmental Coordinator:

(207)287-5668 tina.bernier@maine.gov• MCLPPP general contact numbers: (207) 287-4311

or (866)292-3474