Reed Announces $3.1 Million Grant to Help RI Housing Stop Childhood Lead Poisoning

Statement

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Rhode Island Housing will receive a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to prevent childhood lead poisoning. This federal funding will be used to help evaluate and clean up lead and other health hazards in over 400 homes, train over 300 workers in lead safety methods, and conduct education and outreach to raise public awareness about childhood lead poisoning.

"Lead paint was banned in 1978, but many homes throughout the state were built before then, meaning thousands of our children are still at risk today. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible damage to a child. This federal grant will help remove lead hazards from areas that are at risk and educate parents about the steps they can take to help protect their children and families," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who over the years has successfully increased HUD's budget for lead-abatement work.

Since 1998, Senator Reed has helped secure over $40 million for Rhode Island lead poisoning prevention programs.

"These funds provide multiple benefits to Rhode Island. Most importantly, we are making homes safe and healthy for our children," said Richard Godfrey, Executive Director of Rhode Island Housing. "This key assistance also creates new jobs for small businesses who are skilled at eliminating dangerous lead paint from homes."

A recent report by the Rhode Island Department of Health found that of the 12,384 children who will enter kindergarten in 2011, 2.4% (302) have had an elevated blood lead level at one time.

Rhode Island Housing will partner with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Community College of Rhode Island, Building Futures, West Bay Community Action Inc., Blackstone Valley Community Action, East Bay Community Action, and Childhood Lead Action Project (CLAP) to carry out this program.

Lead-contaminated dust is the primary cause of lead exposure and can lead to a variety of health problems in young children, including reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays, reduced height, and impaired hearing.

HUD estimates that approximately 24 million homes nationwide still have significant lead-based paint hazards today.

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