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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 does the Lead Law require?

Answer: The Lead Law requires the removal or covering of lead paint hazards in homes built before 1978 where any children under 6 live.

 

Answer: Lead paint hazards include loose lead paint, lead paint on windows and friction surfaces, and other surfaces accessible to children. Owners are responsible with complying with the law. This includes owners of rental property as well as owners living in their own single family home. Financial help is available through tax credits, grants and loans.." (Quote/Source Mass.gov)

 

How does a property owner comply with the lead law?

1: You must first hire a licensed lead inspector who will test the home for lead and record all lead hazards. Deleading work must be done by a trained and licensed person. A licensed lead inspector will reinspect, and if there are passes, you will receive a letter of full deleading compliance.

 

2: You may choose to have only urgent lead hazards corrected, while controlling remaining hazards.

 

This temporary method is called Interim Control. You must first hire a licensed risk assessor who will explain what work needs to be done for interim control.

 

After a risk assessor approves the work, you will receive a Letter of Interim Control. You then have up to 2 years to remove lead hazards and receive a Letter of Full Compliance.

 

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.

 

Is there financial assistance available for deleading?

Answer: Property owners who receive a Letter of Full Compliance are eligible for a State Tax Credit. There is also, low cost financing available. To learn more about financial assistance 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.

 

To learn more about the Lead Law Click Here.