Governor Larry Hogan Announces Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

For Immediate Release:

October 25, 2016
Contact:
Hannah Marr hannah.marr@maryland.gov
Shareese Churchill shareese.churchill@maryland.gov
410-974-2316

Governor Larry Hogan Announces Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today issued a statewide proclamation declaring Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Maryland. In October 2015, Governor Hogan announced a new Lead Testing Targeting Plan for Childhood Lead, which calls for all Maryland children to be tested at ages 1 and 2, no matter where they live.

“Our administration remains committed to protecting Maryland’s families and children by preventing the threat of lead poisoning,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, I urge all businesses, government agencies, and Maryland citizens to raise awareness about lead poisoning and encourage others to do the same. With proper knowledge, outreach, and early testing, and by working together, we can help eliminate this preventable disease.”

Under the Hogan administration, Maryland has moved to protect more children from the health risks associated with lead paint poisoning by enforcing an expansion of the type of rental housing covered by the state’s lead law. As of 2015, rental properties built prior to 1978 are required to register with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and comply with the lead law’s other requirements.

Additionally, regulations adopted this year to implement the plan also make it easier for doctors’ offices to test for lead poisoning during routine visits, reducing the need for parents to make a separate trip to other medical facilities to have their children tested.

A report released in September by MDE shows that childhood lead poisoning in Maryland remains near record-low levels. For more information MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, please visit here. 

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