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Lead poisoning affects thousands of Maryland children per year. Lead exposure from paint dust may result in poor school performance, inability to read, aggressive behavior, hearing loss or even mental retardation. All Marylanders should be aware of the dangers of lead paint before they rent, buy or renovate a home, and use safe practices when conducting any home maintenance. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is the principal state agency charged with lead poisoning prevention. MDE manages the statewide lead rental registry, conducts enforcement actions and coordinates with state and local agencies on lead poisoning prevention measures.
What’s the News?
On October 23, Governor Ehrlich kicked off the 19th annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week at Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County, delivering on his commitment to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2010. A concerted multi-agency effort has brought forth an important addition to this year’s activities -- the announcement of four new high school lead poisoning prevention lessons to be used in schools statewide.
“Lead poisoning remains Maryland’s most critical environmental challenge for children,” said MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick. “All Marylanders should educate themselves on the dangers of lead paint before they rent, buy or renovate a home, and use safe practices when conducting any home maintenance.”
At the Core of Prevention -- is Education
Maryland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program announced a new initiative to help educate those at risk or potential risk. MDE, with the assistance of EnviroHealth Connections, a cooperative project of the Institute for Urban Environmental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland Public Television, and the Maryland State Department of Education, has made lead poisoning prevention lessons available for use to address the high school core learning goals. Lesson plans in health, chemistry, environmental health, and government are available on-line at www.Thinkport.org for use by all teachers.
During Governor Ehrlich’s administration, MDE over the last five years, has initiated nearly 1,500 enforcement actions resulting in nearly 11,000 properties coming into compliance and collected over $1 million in penalties from non-compliant landlords. Funds collected are used to support the state’s efforts to fight lead poisoning in the state.
“A decade ago, nearly 25 percent of Maryland children tested had elevated blood lead levels. In 2005, only 1.3 percent of all children tested had an elevated blood lead level,” said Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. “The lead poisoning initiative I sponsored and signed into law two years ago provides further protection for Maryland children that will help eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Maryland by 2010. While we have made great strides, there is no reason for a single child to suffer from lead poisoning, a preventable disease.”
The event was attended by representatives from the Maryland State Departments of Education, Health and Mental Hygiene, Housing and Community Development, state and local officials and The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning.
Making Lead Poisoning History – All Year Long
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. Throughout Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, education and volunteer opportunities are available across the state.
During the event, the Governor highlighted the partnership between the state, The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, property owners and community advocates.
“The time is now to step up and deliver on the promise we made to Maryland's children to end childhood lead poisoning. We can no longer compromise their future by refusing to take action,” Ruth Ann Norton, executive director of The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. “It is time to make sure that our homes and our laws create safe and healthy environments in which children can grow and thrive.”
For more information visit
the MDE Lead
Poisoning Prevention website or by call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at
410-537-4199. Additional information is also available through The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning at www.leadsafe.org.
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