Special to the Gazette
Mayor Michelle Wu has announced that Boston has received $4.4 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reduce the risk of childhood lead poisoning. This announcement builds on the City of Boston’s leadership in keeping residents safe from all sources of lead hazards. This announcement comes during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which raises awareness about the dangers of lead and how to prevent exposure.
“This funding will help us protect more children in our city and ensure they have a safe, healthy environment to grow up in,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are committed to eliminating lead exposure in Boston, and this grant will allow us to continue working with families and property owners to make homes safer.”
This grant is part of HUD’s $395 million effort to help 73 state and local governments across the country clean up lead in low-income housing. The funding will support Boston’s “Lead Safe” program, which will address lead hazards in over 160 housing units, making homes safer for low-income families. The grant will help homeowners and landlords with eligible tenants by offering forgivable loans to remove lead hazards. Some funds will also go toward fixing other home safety issues as part of a broader health initiative.
“We know that safe housing is the foundation for healthy communities,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “With this grant, we can support families, by ensuring that their homes are free of lead and other hazards. It’s an important step that the City can take towards helping to create healthier living conditions for our residents.”
“Lead exposure is serious for children because it affects their short-term and long-term development. Addressing this serious environmental determinant of health makes homes safer and healthier for Boston’s most vulnerable, our young children, and contributes to the public health of our city today and into the future,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston.
Lead is particularly dangerous for young children, as it can cause lasting damage to their brain and nervous system. With nearly 80% of Boston’s housing built before 1978, when lead paint was widely used, many homes still pose a risk for lead poisoning. The good news is that the situation has improved significantly: in 2023, less than 2% of children under age four had elevated blood lead levels, a major decrease from 1992. However, lead exposure remains a concern in some older homes. The only way to determine if your child has been exposed to lead is a blood test called a blood lead level. Contact your child’s primary provider to request a blood test. Children should get a blood lead test between 9 months to 12 months and again every year until they are 5 years old.
“Reducing lead exposure is one of HUD’s top priorities,” said Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman. “These awards will help us continue our work to make homes safer for children across the country.”
Boston’s lead prevention efforts are led by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and the Boston Public Health Commission. It works with partners like the Boston Office of Fair Housing, Boston Housing Court, and medical and community organizations to eliminate childhood lead poisoning.
Property owners are encouraged to contact the Boston Home Center to learn about this “no out of pocket cost” option to make their homes lead safe by visiting the Boston Home Center website or calling (617) 635-HOME.