Background on Lead Poisoning Lead poisoning causes irreversible damage to our children:

Nobody questions that lead can do great harm, especially to young children. Lead exposure can have serious health effects, including a variety of neurological and behavioral problems as well as delays in development. Numerous studies have also found associations between lead exposure and decreased IQ and increased criminal behavior. Millions of dollars have been spent on lead programs in Massachusetts over the years and this has helped thousands of children and families÷but the fight is not over. The cases that are left are our hardest to reach, and more children may be put at risk as the housing that contains lead gets older and older. We must remain vigilant!

The following materials give more background information on lead poisoning and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

• Facts About Lead Poisoning: Lists and explains common myths and realities about lead poisoning.
  
  
• Where is the Lead? Talks about the most common places where lead is found: housing, soil, and lead dust.
  
  
• Background on Lead Poisoning in Boston: Detials how lead poisoning specifically affects the Boston area especially our communities of color. Also addresses the importance of affordable housing
  
  
• Boston Lead Statistics: Lists the cases of elevated blood lead levels in 2000 by district and level
  
  
• Boston Housing Pyramid: Shows the breakdown of BostonÌs housing into lead free, contain lead paint with no current hazards, and contain lead paint and lead hazards.
  
  
• Costs of Lead to Massachusetts: Gives a breakdown of the FY 2001 costs associated with lead in Massachusetts.
  
  
• Evolution of Approaches to Lead-Based Paint in Housing: Provides a comparison of the past and presnt responses to lead and lead poisoning.

All of these materials are available upon request from the Lead Action Collaborative. Click here to contact us.