| Of Boston’s 239,528 occupied housing units identified by the 2000 US Census, an estimated 209,000, or 87%, were built before 1978, the year during which the use of lead paint was prohibited. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention calls a measurement of 10 μg/dL a “childhood lead exposure of concern,” enough in children’s bodies to slow normal growth and development, cause loss of intelligence, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, aggression, and school failure. Lead poisoning can result from lead paint in housing and lead in the environment.
How are we doing?
The incidence of elevated blood lead level has dropped dramatically from 42% of those screened in 1991 to 3% in 2003, a 93% reduction. Each year’s rate has been lower than the previous year. Although the prevalence rate has dropped significantly, Boston’s lower-income neighborhoods continue to have the highest prevalence of elevated led levels.
Like most cities in the nation, Boston does not annually screen 100% of the target population. It has, however, implemented a number of successful screening programs. In fiscal 2003, the most recent year that detailed population data is available, Boston screened 91% of children 9 to 48 months of age and 68% of children 9 to 72 months of age. Boston continues to have one of the highest screening rates of all cities and towns in Massachusetts.
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Click image to enlarge chart "Infants with elevated blood lead level, City of Boston: 1991-2003"
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