HUD AWARDS $3 MILLION TO CITY OF LAWRENCE TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM DANGEROUS LEAD AND OTHER HOME HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS
Funding part of $143 million awarded nationwide

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced $3 million in funding to the City of Lawrence to help protect children and families from dangerous lead-based paint and other home health and safety hazards. The funding, part of $143 million awarded nationwide, is expected to reduce or eliminate lead exposure in more than 230 households in Lawrence. Lead is a known toxin that can impair children's development and may even cause death at high levels.

This competitive grant, which is being under HUD's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control program,
is one of only three awarded in Massachusetts for a total of $6.7 million. Also receiving grants are the City of Worcester ($2.9 million) and the Boston Medical Center ($855,655).

This award will be complemented by $1.3 million in local matching/leveraged funds. The City of Lawrence has an extensive network of partners and sub-grantees that will deliver outreach and education to target populations.
With this grant, four lead paint education workshops will be offered and 10,000 homeowners and tenants will
receive information regarding lead hazards. Training will also be offered to 120 low-income residents.

"The lead abatement program is crucial to the health of our city's children. By utilizing these funds to de-lead
units, we are creating a healthier environment for our future," said Mayor Michael Sullivan.

The City of Lawrence has an excellence track record administering HUD funding. In 2004, the city received a
$3 million Lead Hazard Control grant and exceeded its commitment of reaching 200 households.

HUD's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control promotes local efforts to eliminate dangerous lead and other hazards from lower income homes; stimulates private sector investment in lead hazard control; educates the public about the dangers of lead-based paint; and supports scientific research into innovative methods to identify and eliminate health hazards in housing.

Even though lead-based paint was banned for use in the home in 1978, HUD estimates approximately 24 million
homes still have significant lead-based paint hazards today. Lead-contaminated dust is the primary cause of lead exposure and can lead to a variety of health problems in young children including reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays, reduced height, and impaired hearing. At higher levels, lead can damage a child's kidneys
and central nervous system and cause anemia, coma, convulsions and even death.

HUD and two of its federal agency partners, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, operate the National Lead Information Clearinghouse, where parents, property owners, and other members of the public can get information about lead hazards and their prevention. The Clearinghouse has a
toll free number, 800-424-LEAD, and a web site, www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm, both of which provide
information in English and Spanish.

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