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

                                                      FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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                                                           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:

• Spanish - Lead Paint Program Brochure                                                                                                                                   
• Portuguese - Lead Paint Brochure
• Khmer - Lead Paint Brochure
• Lead Hotline - The National Lead Information Center

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: