Sen. Libby, health officials, to host press conference about new law to reduce lead poisoning rates

Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby, D-Lewiston; Dr. Linda J. Glass, M.D., F.A.A.P., co-owner of Pediatric Associates in Lewiston; and Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah will host a press conference to discuss a new law to reduce lead poisoning rates among Maine children. LD 1116, “An Act To Strengthen the Lead Poisoning Control Act,” received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on July 27.

“Maine has made great progress in recent years on identifying lead-poisoned children, then using that information to make their homes and their environments healthier,” said Sen. Libby. “With LD 1116 in law, we hope to continue that positive trend.”

Lead poisoning can cause permanent and irreversible cognitive impairment. Children and their developing brains are especially at risk of adverse health effects from exposure to lead. Lewiston and Auburn have the highest rates of lead poisoning in Maine due to a combination of older housing stock and a recent increased awareness of the importance of testing for lead poisoning.

Prior law mandated that only 1- and 2-year-olds on MaineCare be tested for lead exposure. Under LD 1116, lead testing is mandated for all 1- and 2-year-olds in Maine, regardless of income.

WHAT: Press conference in support of reducing lead poisoning rates among Maine children

WHO: Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby, D-Lewiston; Dr. Linda J. Glass; Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah

WHEN: 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29

WHERE: at Pediatric Associates, 33 Mollison Way, Lewiston