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Maryland’s 18th Annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is Oct. 23-29, coinciding with national recognition of this important issue lead by the national Centers for Disease Control. The week highlights what parents and property owners can do to prevent lead poisoning.
“The goal of this legislation is to build upon the past successes of Maryland’s lead program. Maryland’s lead law is recognized as a national model, and will continue to set the standard for protecting children statewide and meet Governor Ehrlich’s goal to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Maryland by 2010,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick.
Children are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning from birth to age six,
when their neurological systems are developing. Lead poisoning is a preventable
disease, the effects of which may result in poor school performance, inability
to read, aggressive behavior, hearing loss or even mental retardation.
Lead Prevention is an Everyday Struggle
MDE is the principle state agency charged with lead poisoning prevention.
Throughout the year, MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program assists local
health departments with case management of lead poisoned children, and promotes
locally based outreach. MDE also runs the statewide lead rental registry,
conducts enforcement actions and coordinates with state and local agencies on
lead poisoning prevention measures.
This year, important changes to Maryland’s lead poisoning prevention laws took effect on Oct. 1.
The new law:
- Lowers the elevated blood lead level to 10 micrograms per deciliter, which triggers a rental property owner to reduce the risk of lead poisoning.
- Allows penalties to be immediately assessed upon notice of violation issued to a property owner;
- Makes it illegal for property owners to utilize relatives, employees, or entities related to the property owner to conduct lead dust testing or other compliance inspections.
- Clarifies the definition of exterior surfaces to include such items as playground equipment or other structures under a property owner’s control.
- Lowers the elevated blood lead level to 15 micrograms per deciliter, at which rental property owners who are in compliance with the law may make a qualified offer to affected tenants to pay for uncovered medical and relocation costs.
In addition to the provisions that are effective Oct. 1, there is an existing deadline of Feb. 24, 2006, to have 100 percent of all pre-1950 constructed rental properties in compliance with the risk reduction standard.
Great Achievements and Dwindling Numbers
Maryland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is proud to report that since July 2004, MDE has increased its lead rental registry by more than 20,000 units. Tested blood lead levels in children are coming down statewide, even in the areas of highest risk such as Baltimore City, parts of the Eastern shore and Western Maryland. The number of children with elevated blood lead levels has dropped from 11,585 in 1995 to 1,811 in 2004. That means, a decade ago nearly 25 percent of Maryland’s children tested had elevated blood lead levels, while in 2004, under 2 percent of all children tested had an elevated blood lead level. Very few children with blood lead levels above the action level were exposed to lead risks while living in registered, treated units.
dditional changes in the law can be found at:
http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/
Pages/index.aspx, or in Maryland, call toll free 800/633-6101, ext. 4199.
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