BALTIMORE, MD (June 4, 2001) – At today’s official kick-off event for the 14th Annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Jane Nishida announced the latest enforcement efforts against violators of the Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing laws.
"It has been over one year since Governor Glendening announced his initiative on lead poisoning prevention. His commitment remains strong by continuing to provide resources to fight back this environmental hazard," Secretary Nishida said.
"Lead poisoning remains Maryland’s most critical environmental disease for children. Although the trend of children with elevated blood lead levels is decreasing, there is still work to do. We can’t stop now!
"Since last year’s lead week, MDE has increased efforts throughout the State to reduce the risk of lead paint poisoning, especially in areas of highest risk such as Baltimore City by coordinating enforcement actions with Baltimore City and other local agencies.
"Last year (calendar year 2000), MDE took 171 enforcement actions for failure to register rental properties and failure to perform treatments to reduce the risk of lead poisoning. So far this year (calendar year 2001), MDE has taken 258 enforcement actions.
"This coordinated enforcement is resulting in more rental properties receiving treatment to either reduce or eliminate the presence of lead paint … 755 properties in Baltimore City that will come in full compliance as a direct result of our enforcement so far in 2001. MDE anticipates that by the end of 2001, more than 1,500 properties in Baltimore City alone would be under enforcement to receive treatment to reduce or eliminate lead poisoning.
"Just recently MDE won a $100,000 enforcement case against one of the largest landlords in Baltimore City. This sends a strong and clear message to property owners in Baltimore City to come in compliance with the law….
"Throughout the year, MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has assisted local health departments with case management of lead poisoned children and locally based outreach and education. This partnership will continue. We all need to work together in this effort. State and local agencies, parents, health care providers, home owners and rental property owners all have a role to play in eliminating childhood lead poisoning.
"Parents, especially, can help by learning the sources of lead poisoning and by having their children tested. This is important for young children, who are at greatest risk from exposure to lead dust through normal hand-to-mouth behavior…
"Lead poisoning is the most serious childhood environmental threat, but it is a preventable if we all do our part and ‘get the lead out,’" she said.
Today’s festival was held at Lucille Park in the Park Heights section of Baltimore City, where children and families were invited to learn about the hazards caused by lead paint. Sponsored by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the Lead Poisoning Prevention Partnership and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is comprised of week-long activities across the state that highlight what parents and property owners can do to prevent lead poisoning.
A complete list of Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week events and tips can be found on MDE’s ‘Lead Line’ at www.mde.state.md.us/health/lead, or on the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning’s home page at www.leadsafe.org. These websites also include information on MDE's lead law for property owners, tenants, and parents.
For more information on childhood lead poisoning and its prevention call (800) 776-2706 or (800) 370-LEAD (5323).
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