Childhood lead poisoning is 100% preventable yet remains a pressing public health issue in Maine today. 

Fortunately, free resources are available to all York County residents and property owners!

Contact any of the Healthy Maine Partnerships below for free lead materials, resources, free dust wipe sampling kits (a lead test kit for your home) or for someone to come to your facility to talk to groups about lead poisoning prevention.

Lead Safe Renovation Practices: Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. 

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 22, 2010 (then delayed until Dec, 2010), contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

• To find a certification (RRP) class through the State of Maine click here. 
  
• Check out the EPA site for more information on this requirement.
• To become a lead-safe certified firm, click here FMI.

LEAD POISONING FACTS 

•  There are an estimated 1000 Maine children under the age of six that have an elevated blood lead level.
• Rarely are there symptoms with lead poisoning.
• The most common source of lead exposure is the home, but children can be poisoned several other ways like water, toys and take-home lead dust (from caregivers who work in a profession where lead dust is present). 
• 80% of homes in Maine built before 1978 contain harmful levels of lead paint and dust. 

YOUR RESOURCES

Environmental Protection Agency- Federal site loaded with great information and resources.

Maine Lead Poisoning Prevention Program- State lead poisoning prevention program website.  Offers various free educational materials and resources.

Landlord lead prevention facts- do you know the facts when it comes to lead poisoning in your multi-unit building?  If not, click here!

Lead dust wipe sampling and visual inspections for landlords- click here to learn more about how to get free lead testing in your multi-unit building.

Working with Lead Paint- laws & classes. Tip sheet from Maine CDC.

Lead Poisoning: Sources of Lead.  Tip sheet from Maine CDC.

Testing your Child for Lead.  Tip sheet from Maine CDC.

Lead Poisoning: Do I Need To Worry? Tip sheet from Maine CDC.