Lead Facts
Lead Poisoning in Children
Children 6 and younger are especially vulnerable to lead paint. 90% of all lead poisoning cases are due to lead paint dust. Lead enters the child's bloodstream through ingestion and inhalation.
Lowell is one of eight cities in Massachusetts that is classified as a "high risk" community for childhood lead poisoning. It is important to have your child's pediatrician regularly check lead levels at age 1, 2, 3, and at 4. Children ages 1 and 2 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning due to frequent hand-to-mouth activity as they explore their environment. All children's must have their lead levels tested prior to school entry.
Fact About Lead & Lead Poisoning
Important facts about lead and lead poisoning:
- Prior to 1978 lead was added to paint to make the application process easier and to make the paint last longer.
- Leaded paint was used widely in the U.S. housing stock until the effects of lead poisoning became known. Lead paint was eventually banned in 1978.
- Old lead paint breaks down over time and lead becomes a hazardous part of household dust
- 90% of all lead poisoning cases are from contact with lead paint dust.
- Because of their rapidly developing bodies, lead exposure can damage the brain, kidneys and nervous system of children under age 6.
- Children between the age of 1 and 2 are especially vulnerable to lead paint due to normal hand to mouth activity.
- Women who are pregnant can pass lead to the baby.
- Children's lead levels should be tested regularly from ages 1-4, and must be completed prior to school entry.
- If you are a homeowner or landlord consider having your property deleaded.
- If you are a tenant with a child under age 6, talk with your landlord about deleading services available through the City of Lowell.
- To help reduce and prevent lead paint poisoning, the Lowell Health Department provides lead tests to children ages 6 and under.
- To learn about lead-related product recalls, please click here to access the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lead Recall page.
- To find out if your home has a lead compliance certificate, please visit the Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Resources for Families
The following are resources for families.
- Understanding Lead Poisoning (PDF) - A guide from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for parents of children with high lead levels.
- Lead and Nutrition (PDF) - A guide from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health discussing lead poisoning and nutrition for children.
- Protect Your Family From Lead Poisoning (PDF) - A guide from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP).
- Information For Tenants (PDF) - A flyer from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about lead poisoning.
- Lead Paint and Pregnancy (PDF) - A flyer from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about pregnancy and lead.
- Where Does Lead Come From (PDF) - A flyer from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about where lead comes from.
Resources for Landlords
The following are resources for landlords.
- Information for Property Owners (PDF) - A flyer from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about things you need to know about lead before you rent or sell.
- Information for Real Estate Agents (PDF) - A flyer from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about the Massachusetts Lead Law.
Resources for Families & Landlords
- Tenant Lead Law Notification Form (PDF) - An important document from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about Tenant Lead Law Notification.
- Property Transfer Lead Notification Disclosure Form (PDF) - An important document from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) and Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification.
Resources for Home Renovators & Contractors
The following are resources for home renovators and contractors.
- Renovate Right (PDF) - The Lead-Safe Certified Guide To Renovate Right from the Environmental Protection Agency.