Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: February 22, 2006
Contact: Helen Drew, Director’s Office (401-222-2231)

Director of Health Says Jury’s Lead Paint Decision
Opportunity to Finally Eliminate Lead Poisoning in Children

In response to the jury’s decision today on the lead paint case, Director of Health, David R. Gifford, MD, MPH said, “We are pleased to collaborate with the Attorney General’s office on this important case. We have been working toward our goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning for nearly 30 years in Rhode Island and we’ve made great progress. The results of this case should help us do even more to reach that goal. This is a wonderful opportunity to help give the families of our state safe and healthy housing”.

Lead poisoning results in irreversible developmental disabilities in children. Even small amounts of lead can affect a child’s learning and cause other harmful health problems. Lead poisoning, often resulting from peeling and chipping lead paint, is one of the most serious environmental threats to kids’ healthy development.

The jury’s decision that lead paint created a public nuisance will enhance efforts to provide home inspections to identify lead paint hazards, address abatement (removing the lead paint hazards from homes), and primary prevention strategies such as public education and healthcare provider outreach.

For more information about lead poisoning prevention and how to protect your family, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health website at www.health.ri.gov/lead/index.php