Keeping the lead out
The new lead registry protects RI families and children
In photo from a story published 10 years ago, on Aug. 3, 2015, “The clear and present danger of lead poisoning” which detailed the historic jury verdict finding a landlord guilty of negligence, Amie Jordan and her daughter, Rowan, at Hasbro Children's Hospital, after Rowan was diagnosed with lead poisoning at a 49 microgram per deciliter level in her blood, about 10 times the limit recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The lead poisoning has been allegedly linked to high levels of lead in the home where Rowan and her parents live in Coventry.
PROVIDENCE— Some 20 years after the state enacted laws to protect children and families from lead poisoning, the R.I. Department of Health has finally been able to move ahead with a published database and registry listing all the properties in Rhode Island and whether or not they are in compliance with state lead laws.
Unfortunately, roughly 1,000 kids in Rhode Island each year are needlessly exposed to lead and have blood lead levels above the CDC reference level of 3.5 mcg/dl. Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child's health and cause well-documented health effects. These effects include damage to the brain and nervous system and slowed growth and development. Children may also have learning and behavior problems and hearing and speech problems. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
ConvergenceRI: Is the apparent resistance from some real estate industry members in Rhode Island a sign that the new registry and dashboard will be an effective tool? WENDELKEN: Creating a public database and landlord registration pages reinforces a law that has existed for over twenty years. All families and children deserve housing that is healthy and safe. The registry provides RIDOH with another route for enforcing compliance by fining landlords who fail to comply or comply in time.
ConvergenceRI: Are there ways for agencies to support this new registry by providing information to their clients on what it is and how to access it? For instance, would an agency such as RI Kids Count or Community Care Alliance be a possible partner?
WENDELKEN: The Rhode Island Department of Health is developing a multi-media marketing campaign to promote the program. Agencies looking for information to share with their clients can contact the Rhode Island Rental Registry at rentalregistry@ health.ri.gov
ConvergenceRI: What questions should parents with young children ask regarding lead when seeking a new living place?
WENDELKEN: If their home was built before 1978, the Rhode Island Lead Hazard Mitigation Act requires landlords to have a Certificate of Lead Conformance. It is a requirement of law for a landlord to provide these documents: a lead disclosure, the EPA pamphlet and RI insert to all tenants, along with the name and contact person who maintains the property.
To learn more, go to Lead Hazard Mitigation at Department of Health. Rhode Island landlords must meet federal and state disclosure requirements and give tenants the required documents.
ConvergenceRI: Are there possible partnerships and collaborations that the Department of Health is considering to enhance the visibility of the new registry and dashboard, such as a display at pharmacies such as CVS or at popular shopping spots such as grocery markets?
WENDELKEN: The Rhode Island Department of Health is working on a multi-media campaign across the state.
