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| Knox County Community Health Coalition Penobscot Bay YMCA, Coalition Partner |
| If you need more information or resources on lead poisoning prevention, please speak with or e-mail Nancy Laite, Program Specialist for the Knox County Community Health Coalition, at 236-6313 or nllaite2@myfairpoint.net |
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Lead Poisoning Prevention
An estimated 80% of homes in
Maine built before 1978 may
contain lead paint.
Most lead poisoned children don't
look or act sick, but over time,
even small amounts of lead can
hurt a child's rapidly growing brain.
Maine built before 1978 may
contain lead paint.
Most lead poisoned children don't
look or act sick, but over time,
even small amounts of lead can
hurt a child's rapidly growing brain.
Should I be worried about lead paint?
| Every year about 120 kids are found to be lead poisoned in Maine. |
Dust from lead paint is the most common cause of
childhood lead poisoning in Maine. Children less
than 3 years old are more likely to be lead
poisoned. Lead dust collects on floors and other
surfaces where children crawl on the floor and play
with toys. They often put their hands and toys in
their mouths. This makes it very easy to swallow
lead dust and damage their growing bodies and
minds. Their bodies absorb lead faster than adults.
childhood lead poisoning in Maine. Children less
than 3 years old are more likely to be lead
poisoned. Lead dust collects on floors and other
surfaces where children crawl on the floor and play
with toys. They often put their hands and toys in
their mouths. This makes it very easy to swallow
lead dust and damage their growing bodies and
minds. Their bodies absorb lead faster than adults.
The most serious household lead poisoning risks result from
remodeling projects.
50% of all lead poisoned children in Maine live in homes that have been renovated, or are currently
being renovated. It is very important that home repairs in areas with lead paint be done safely and
correctly. Improper removal of lead paint can poison you or your children. Surfaces painted
with lead-based paint should be inspected regularly. If you rent your home, be sure to report paint in
poor condition to your landlord.
For detailed information about how to safely repair or repaint surfaces painted with lead-based paint,
call the Maine Department of Environmental Protection at (800) 452.1942, or go online to
www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/lead/.
remodeling projects.
50% of all lead poisoned children in Maine live in homes that have been renovated, or are currently
being renovated. It is very important that home repairs in areas with lead paint be done safely and
correctly. Improper removal of lead paint can poison you or your children. Surfaces painted
with lead-based paint should be inspected regularly. If you rent your home, be sure to report paint in
poor condition to your landlord.
For detailed information about how to safely repair or repaint surfaces painted with lead-based paint,
call the Maine Department of Environmental Protection at (800) 452.1942, or go online to
www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/lead/.
| Links Home Lead Testing www.state.me.us/dep/rwm/lead Lead Safety & Health Questions www.maine.gov/dhhs/eohp/lead Toll Free: 866-292-3474 TTY: 800-606-0215 Deferred Loan Application and Information for Lead Removal www.MaineHousing.org (800) 452-4668 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program www.maine.gov/healthyhomes 1-866-292-3474 Maine Occupational Disease Registry (Workplace Safety) 207-287-5378 |
Don't take lead home from your job!
How do I know if I work with lead?
You may work with lead if you:
Can lead from work harm my child?
YES. Your child can get lead poisoning if you or someone who lives in your
home works with lead. Some kinds of work make lead dust or fumes. You
cannot see lead dust, but it can get on your hands, face and clothes. You
take lead dust from your job to your family when you wear your work
clothes and shoes home. Lead dust can get in your car. It can get on
furniture, floors and carpets. Your child can swallow this lead dust and be
poisoned.
How do I know if I work with lead?
You may work with lead if you:
- remove old paint
- tear down or remodel houses, buildings tanks or bridges
- work at a shooting range
- solder pipes or work with scrap metal
- recycle or fix car radiators or batteries
- melt, cast or grind lead, brass or bronze
- make or paint ceramics
Can lead from work harm my child?
YES. Your child can get lead poisoning if you or someone who lives in your
home works with lead. Some kinds of work make lead dust or fumes. You
cannot see lead dust, but it can get on your hands, face and clothes. You
take lead dust from your job to your family when you wear your work
clothes and shoes home. Lead dust can get in your car. It can get on
furniture, floors and carpets. Your child can swallow this lead dust and be
poisoned.
Lead can cause:
- Leaning Delays
- Behavioral Problems
- Lower Intelligence
- Hearing Damage
- Speech Delays
| The law states that your employer must tell you about anything at work which is dangerous, including lead. Your employer is responsible for your health and safety. Talk to your employer about lead or call the Maine Occupational Disease Registry at 207-287-5378. |
| New Federal Law for Contractors, Builders and Lanlords. Effective: 4/22/10 |
| New Federal Law for Contractors, Builders and Landlords. Effective: 4/22/10 |
