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Lead Paint Abatement
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.
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.
Renovating and repairing an older home increases the risk of lead poisoning. Young children and pregnant women should not be in the home while work is being done. Please contact this office for a “Renovating Safely” booklet before starting any work.
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.
Is there money available for deleading?
There are a variety of funding options available to both owner-occupied and investor properties, depending on the income level of the occupants.. All financial assistance is to the property owner. The program is open to qualified property owners in the Merrimack Valley in collaboration with the city/town where the home is located.
- Low-income Owners/Tenants:
The City has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through this grant we are able to offer low-income owner occupants and owners of investment property, who rent to low-income tenants, grants of $10,000 for single families and $8,000 per unit for multi-families. Loans may be combined with the grant to fund the entire cost of deleading. If qualified, the cost of inspections will also be paid. Income limits for this program vary for owners, investors and tenants, please call for the current guidelines. - Higher-income Owners/Tenants:
Owners with higher income, or investors renting to tenants with higher incomes, may qualify for assistance through the MassHousing “Get the Lead Out” Program. The property must be a 1-4 family building. Assistance is in the form of a loan with the following terms:
- Owner Occupants – 0% interest, deferred payment (no monthly payments)
- Investors – 5% interest, performing loan (monthly payments)
| Total Annual Owner/Tenant Income | Maximum Loan Amounts | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 persons | $80,000 | Single-family | $30,000 |
| 3 or more persons | $92,000 | Two-family | $35,000 |
| Three-family | $40,000 | ||
| Four-family | $45,000 | ||
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 Massachussetts' Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Forms
- Application for deleading assistance - Investors of Single & Multi-Family Residences
- Application for deleading assistance - Owner Occupied Multi-Family Residences
- Application for deleading assistance - Owner Occupied Single Family Residences
- Tenant Packet for Rental Units
Every Applicant must fill out a W-9 form for relocation stipends and other payments.
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING OR WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Primary Contact:
Jane McLeod, Program Director
Division of Planning and Development
Phone: (978) 446-7200 x:1439