This year marks 40 years since the use of lead paint was banned from consumer use in this country. The federal government banned lead paint in 1978 because the dangers of exposure to lead were too great to ignore. But in 40 years, Maine has made shamefully slow progress in protecting residents’ children from lead […]
lead poisoning
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lead poisoning hits new Mainers hard
“Kadra Ahmed” sits in her living room in Lewiston with her 2-year-old son, who was diagnosed with lead poisoning while living at their former apartment. Her 9-year-old son picks up his prayer rug. “All our life is dependent on his sickness,” Ahmed said through an interpreter. “Our life is just changing.” (Andree Kehn/Sun Journal) Fears, language barrier, cultural […]
advertisement
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston to receive $3.4 million lead-abatement grant
LEWISTON — The office of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins announced Thursday that Lewiston will receive $3.4 million to address lead hazards in downtown housing. City officials say the money will provide a significant boost to the ongoing lead abatement program, in which much of the focus has been on the downtown “tree streets” neighborhood. The […]
Posted inLetters
Childhood lead poisoning
It is great news that the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development has adopted a new rule lowering the acceptable blood level of lead poisoning in children who reside in federally owned or assisted housing. HUD had allowed an antiquated standard that was four times the level now recommended by the Center for Disease […]
Posted inLetters
The lead poisoning issue
Concerning lead poisoning — it can come from other sources than paint. There are probably some old lead water pipes still in use, lead crystal drinking glasses, old ceramic containers and cups could have lead in the coating or paint, and old toys and dishes (especially from other countries) might have lead paint. In a […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Improve response to lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is a critical issue in Lewiston and Auburn, along with many communities with older housing stock. We know lead is particularly toxic to children and their developing brains. Lead toxicity can cause both acute and chronic cognitive problems, along with many other medical problems in children and adults. Lead poisoning can cause developmental […]