News
$1 Million for lead abatement in public housing projects announced
By Governor Rell's office
Jul 24, 2008 - 3:17:03 PM

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that $1 million for lead abatement in public housing projects is expected to be approved at the August 4 meeting of the State Bond Commission.

In addition to the remediation and abatement of lead in public housing projects, the state funds will also cover related expenses including architectural, engineering, and environmental consulting and administrative expenses directly related to the lead abatement activity.

The funding will go toward providing housing authorities across the state with grants and loans. Loan terms will be determined as part of the application process.

“Many people don't realize that housing units built before 1978 could contain potentially deadly lead paint and lead dust,” Governor Rell said. “This funding will improve conditions in the state’s public housing and help us to better protect Connecticut children.”

Lead poisoning seriously impair a child's ability to learn, and -- in some rare cases -- it can be fatal. In 1978, lead-based paint was banned by the federal government for use on the interior and exterior of homes. Before then, the use of lead paint was prevalent in homes.

Lead poisoning affects persons of all ages but most severely affects young children, under the age of six, whose primary source of exposure is deteriorated lead-based paint and lead dust in their home. Lead paint is usually found on kitchen and bathroom walls and wood surfaces, such as doors, windows, stairway banisters, trim moldings and exterior wood surfaces like porches.

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