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Lowell/Merrimack Valley Lead Paint Abatement Program

 

 

                                                       

                                                           THE LEAD PAINT PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE GRANT PROGRAM AT THIS TIMEGreener Homes

                 

                                                      FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

                                                    APPLICATIONS

                                                           LEARN ABOUT LEAD PAINT and HEALTHY HOMES

                                                         STATE REGISTRY OF LEAD SAFE HOMES

Healthy Roads Media Audio on Preventing Lead Poisioning

For a personal account on the dangers of lead poisoning please view this blog.  

What is lead poisoning and why is it dangerous?

Lead poisoning is a disease caused when lead enters the body.  Lead is a metal and can be swallowed or inhaled (breathed in).  Lead in the body can cause damage to the brain, kidneys and nervous system of young children.  Women who are pregnant can pass lead to the baby.  Even very low levels of lead can cause learning and behavioral problems. Children 6 and younger are especially vulnerable to lead paint. 90% of all lead poisoning cases are from the lead paint dust.  It is important to have your child's pediatrician regularly check their lead levels from ages 1-4. Children between the age of 1 and 2 are especially vulnerable to lead paint due to hand to mouth tendancies. All children's lead levels must be completed prior to school entry. Here is more information about the history of lead and hazards to children.

How do Children Become Lead Poisoned?

Children are most often poisoned by lead dust and lead paint from older homes.  Lead dust can come from renovating, opening and closing windows and normal wear and tear of painted surfaces.  Other causes include lead in soil, lead dust on toys, pacifiers, hands, etc.  The dust is transferred when the child puts the items in his/her mouth. Click here to get a list of ethnic ayurvedics products that contain lead.

Where can I have my child tested for lead poisoning?

We recommend having your child tested at his/her doctor’s office.  If you do not have a doctor or insurance, you can make an appointment at the Lowell Health Department.  Call 978-970-4010.

What does the Lead Abatement Program do?

The goal of the City of Lowell’s Lead Abatement Program (LLAP) is to promote lead-safe housing for its residents.  We do this by providing financial and technical assistance for deleading, education and training.  The LLAP guides homeowners through the entire process of deleading, including setting up an inspection, job specifications, bidding, project oversight and temporary relocation.  All projects through this program will result in Full Deleading Compliance.

The LLAP partners with various community agencies to perform outreach and education.  Educational seminars, community presentations and technical training are all offered.  If you are interested in scheduling a lead-safety presentation or participating in a training course, contact us at the number below.

If you would like complete information regarding lead poisoning, the Massachusetts Lead Law, the Lead-safe housing registry for Massachusetts or a licensed lead paint inspector or contractor please visit the Massachusetts' Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

More lead related information:

Prevent Lead Poisoning. Get your home tested. Get your child tested. Get the facts! Click here…

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Telephone: (978) 681-4940
FAX: (978) 681-4943
Postal address: GLCAC, Inc.
Merrimack Valley
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
305 Essex St.
Lawrence, MA 01840
Contact name: Carmen Torres
Program Director
Electronic mail: General Information:
leadpaint@glcac.org

Lead Related Recalls

For a list of products recalled due to a high lead level can be found here or here with pictures.

Interesting Links for Parents

For a list of products recalled due to lead hazards click here.

For an interactive view of areas in your home where lead hazards are present click here.

An interactive website for parents and kids to prevent lead poisoning.

A computer game to teach parents and children to prevent lead poisoning.

To learn about other environmental hazards in the home click here.