In September, Maine CDC began implementing changes to Maine’s
law that requires lead hazard inspections in the homes of children with lead
poisoning. The amendments changed the State’s definition of lead poisoning to a
blood lead level of five micrograms per deciliter (5 ug/dL) or higher for
children younger than age six, which is also U.S. CDC’s definition of an
elevated blood lead level.
With the changes, Maine CDC expects to inspect about 500 rental
units for lead hazards each year—a five-fold increase in the number of units
over previous years. These inspections, along with a primary prevention
strategy underway in Maine communities with the highest burdens of lead poisoning,
make up Maine CDC’s efforts to eradicate childhood lead poisoning.
What can you do to prevent lead poisoning?
- Public Health Professionals: Learn about lead poisoning in your community
on the Maine
Tracking Network.
Work with municipalities to address lead hazards in rental properties
through code enforcement or outreach to property owners. Promote screening
and home lead dust testing among parents.
- Providers: Make sure your practice is
following Maine CDC’s screening and confirmation testing
guidelines – Maine CDC initiates an inspection of a child’s
home environment for venous blood lead test results of 5 ug/dL or
higher.
- Property
Owners:
Regularly maintain painted surfaces in properties built before 1978 – find out more.
- Parents: Talk to your child’s
doctor about a blood lead test and find out if you have lead dust in your
home with a free kit from the Maine CDC – order online at maine.gov/healthyhomes.
