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LEAD POISONING PREVENTION PROGRAM
Lead is one of the most significant and widespread environmental hazards for children in Maryland. Children are at greatest risk from birth to age six while their neurological systems are developing. Sustained exposure to lead can cause long lasting neurological damage or death. Effects of sustained exposure include learning disabilities, shortened attention span, irritability, and lowered IQ.
The major source of exposure for children is lead paint dust from deteriorated lead paint or from home renovation. Most childhood exposure occurs through children's normal hand-to-mouth activity after contact with a source of leaded dust. The most effective prevention of childhood lead poisoning is to reduce or eliminate exposure.
Maryland Department of the Environment's (MDE) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (Lead Program) serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 "Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law", MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950; maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units; and, provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. The Lead Program also oversees case management follow-up by local health departments for children with elevated blood lead levels; certifies and enforces performance standards for inspectors and contractors working in lead hazard reduction; and performs environmental investigations for lead poisoned children. The Lead Program provides oversight for community education to parents, tenants, rental property owners, home owners, and health care providers to enhance their role in lead poisoning prevention.
Maryland Plan to Eliminate Childhood Lead Poisoning by 2010  (July 2008)
Important Notices:
- Statement on recent Court of Appeals decision on the Lead Law:
- On October 24, 2011, the Court of Appeals of Maryland held that certain provisions of the Reduction of Lead Risk in housing Act ("Act"), codified in Title 6, Subtitle 8 of the Environment Article, that provide compliant landlords with qualified immunity from tort liability, were in violation of Article 19 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights, which provides citizens the right to access to the courts. The Court held that the unconstitutional provisions could be severed from the remainder of the Act, leaving all other provisions unchanged.
- MDE's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program was not impacted by the ruling. All laws requiring property owners to register pre-1950 properties and obtain lead inspection certificates remain in effect. Maryland's lead poisoning prevention efforts have been very successful, resulting in a 98% decline in the number of children with elevated blood lead levels. MDE intends to continue this strong regulatory program and is currently providing staff support to a legislative workgroup that is evaluating additional measures to reduce the occurrence of childhood lead poisoning.
- Property owners who "opt-in" to the program can continue to do so. As with pre-1950 properties, qualified immunity from tort liability no longer exists. Continuance of registration and performance of the risk reduction activities at each change in occupancy may assist in the demonstration of due care on the part of the property owner. Each owner in this situation is encourage to seek the advice of counsel on how to proceed.
- AMENDMENTS TO MARYLAND'S LEAD LAWS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012
- LEAD RENTAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL ONLINE SYSTEM - CLICK HERE - NEW !!
- On April 22, 2010, a federal rule became effective related to the renovation, repair and painting of homes built prior to 1978. This rule is entirely administered by EPA. For further information on this rule contact EPA Region 3.
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