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What is lead poisoning and how does a child become poisoned?

Answer: Lead poisoning is caused by swallowing or breathing in lead dust. The damaging effects lead has on young children are far more dangerous than the damaging effects it has on grownups. Lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Although high levels are more likely to cause serious damage to a child’s health, low level also can have a huge negative effect on the development of a child and cause learning and behavior problems.

 

Answer: The most common cause for lead poisoning in children is lead paint dust. Lead paint dust is created by chipping or peeling paint which is usually found around lead painted windows, mold trimming, and around recently repaired or renovated areas. Children touch the lead dust infested areas and then spread it all over the place, most commonly on toys and then put their hands and toys in their mouth. Young children tend to mouth services (including lead services) and eat lead paint chips.

 

How do I know my child has been poisoned by lead and where can I have my child tested for lead poisoning?

Answer: A blood test is the only way.

 

Answer: You can have your child tested by your doctor, a local health clinic, the health department or a lead poisoning prevention program. “The Massachusetts Lead Law requires that all children be tested for lead between the ages of 9 and 12 months, and again at ages 2 and 3” (Quote/Source mass.gov).

 

“Additionally, all children should be screened at age 4 if they live in a high risk community in Massachusetts. Call CLPPP at 800-532-9571 for a list of high-risk communities or visit "Childhood Lead Poisoning Screening and Incidence Statistics by Community” (Source Quote/Source mass.gov).

 

What is the lead law and how does a property owner comply with the lead law?

Answer: The Lead Law require all homes built before 1978 where a child (Children) under the age of six resides be deleaded or interim control at the owner expense, this includes rental properties to. To learn more about the Lead Law Click Here .

 

Answer: To comply with the lead law the owner of the property must hire a license lead inspector to fully inspect the home and record any hazard and then hire a license deleader and have all hazards corrected or have all urgent lead hazards corrected while controlling the remaining hazards. "This temporary method is called Interim Control. You must first hire a licensed risk assessor who will show you what work must be done for Interim Control. A home may be under control for up to two years." (Quote/Source Mass.gov)

 

Is a property owner liable for a child poisoned by lead paint from their property?

Answer: An owner of a property that has not complied with the Lead Law is legally responsible and liable for any lead poisoned child that has been or was poisoned from lead on their property. To learn more about the Lead Law Click Here .

 

Is there financial assistance available for deleading?

Answer: Property owners who receive a Letter of Full Compliance are eligible for a State Tax Credit equal to the cost of the deleading expenses, or $1,500, whichever is less. To learn more about the lead Click Here .

 

How long does it usually take to delead a home?

Answer: The time depends on the size of the property (Home) and the amount of work that needs to be done. All recipients will be giving a time complement estimate after the job has been evaluated.