Regional Environmental Council

Lead Poisoning

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As far back as the 1970’s, the United States Public Health Services acknowledged lead poisoning disproportionately impacted African Americans and Hispanic children. Today is no different. Worcester has one of the poorest rates for detecting lead poisoning in children in the state, with only 72% of Worcester’s children having been screened for lead. Boston has a 90% screening rate while the average screening rate among the state’s eighteen high risk communities is 81%. Children living in tenant occupied housing units built before lead paint was made illegal for sale in 1978 are most at risk to lead poisoning.

The focus of EJ’s outreach in Worcester is in low income neighborhoods where substandard housing is prevalent and people’s access to resources and information about lead poisoning risks needs to be increased. REC is engaged in outreach and education in neighborhoods most at risk for lead poisoning working with housing, health centers, hospitals, and neighborhood agencies to get the word out.

REC is in action as part of a coalition to make Worcester lead safe by the year 2010. Members of the coalition include Massachusetts Justice Project, Legal Assistance Corporation of Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health, City of Worcester’s Lead Department, Family Health Center, Worcester Community Action Council, Worcester Property Owner’s Association, Worcester Roots, and others. REC’s EJ program has created this informational flyer (flyer in Spanish) with contacts for support on lead related issues in Worcester and is a resource for residents dealing with the issue of lead poisoning.

Resources

Worcester City Lead Department
Download the city Lead determination form for a lead inspection at your home.
Bring or mail the application with the appropriate application fee to:

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Public Health Division
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610

Please do not mail cash. If you have any questions, please call (508) 799-8589.

Massachusetts State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Safe and Sanitary Housing for Massachusetts Residents: Highlights of Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health establishes regulations detailing the standards which must be maintained by the occupants and owners of housing. These regulations protect the health, safety and well-being of Massachusetts citizens and are found in Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code [105 CMR 410.000] entitled Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation.

Childhood Lead Action Project in Rhode Island

Worcester Roots: The primary purpose of the Worcester Roots Project is direct action to remove contamination by lead, other heavy metals, and hydrocarbons from Worcester soils. The organization consists of volunteers who are concerned about lead poisoning in children. They use phytoremediation and other low cost methods to remove toxins from soil.

Worcester lead coalition TV interview "New program may solve local city's lead problems"

El Plomo, Sus Hijos, y Worcester (articulo acerca al tema del plomo en Worcester)

Last Updated 9/19/05