No Person Should Have to Choose Between a Safe Home and an Affordable One

As we wrap up National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct 25-31st), we turn our attention to homelessness awareness in November as we are reminded that every family deserves a home that is both affordable and safe.

Maine's older homes and apartments are an important part of our affordable housing supply. Preserving these properties helps keep families housed and strengthens our communities. But many older homes also have hidden health risks, including lead-based paint.

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, with the greatest risk in homes built before 1950. Even when covered by layers of newer paint, lead can still be present. As windows and doors open and close, or painted surfaces chip and wear, tiny particles of lead dust can spread onto floors, windowsills, and other surfaces where young children play.

Why does this matter? Lead exposure can harm a child's developing brain, affecting learning, behavior, and growth. Exposure during pregnancy can also increase the risk of miscarriage and harm a developing baby. Children often show no signs of lead poisoning, making prevention especially important.

Maine has laws to protect families from unsafe housing. Landlords are responsible for providing housing that is fit and safe to live in. Rental properties are subject to requirements involving radon testing, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and disclosure of known lead hazards. However, unlike radon, routine lead testing is not required in older rental homes/apartments.

That's why taking action before a child is exposed is so important. Older homes can be safe, healthy places to live.

The key is having the information and resources needed to identify and address potential hazards. Knowing where lead may be present, testing for lead dust, maintaining painted surfaces, and using lead-safe cleaning and repair practices can help protect families. Some hazards may require professional attention, but with the right knowledge and action, we can make older homes safer while preserving an important source of affordable housing in our communities.

Property owners can protect families and preserve their buildings by testing for lead hazards, maintaining painted surfaces, and using lead-safe practices when making repairs. The City of Biddeford may have options to help with the cost of lead abatement and addressing other hazards. Families can reduce exposure by wet-cleaning floors and windowsills, washing children's hands and toys, and keeping children away from peeling paint and damaged surfaces.

Affordable housing and healthy housing should go hand in hand. By identifying and addressing lead hazards early, we can protect young children, preserve our older homes, and help ensure families have safe places to live for years to come.

Have a young child or expecting a baby? Maine CDC offers free lead dust testing kits for eligible families living in homes built before 1978. All Maine children should also receive a blood lead test at ages 1 and 2. Wet clean floors and surfaces to remove dust, wash children's hands often. To learn more or request a free test kit, visit the Safe and Healthy Housing Tab on our website: Safe & Healthy Housing