Committee unanimously supports Libby bill to improve lead testing among Maine children

AUGUSTA — Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, to reduce lead poisoning rates among Maine children received committee approval on Tuesday. The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously to support of LD 1116, “An Act To Strengthen the Lead Poisoning Control Act.”

“It is pretty well known that children eating chips of lead-ridden paint that have flaked off of walls in substandard housing has historically been a source of lead poisoning. And because it is commonly known now, other forms of lead poisoning are often overlooked, giving false reassurances about the health of children in our communities,” said Sen. Libby. “When kids are tested early, we can quickly work to get the situation remedied.”

Lead poisoning can cause permanent and irreversible cognitive impairment. Children and their developing brains are especially at risk of damage 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.

“As a doctor, I’ve seen the devastating impact that lead exposure and lead poisoning can have on a growing child,” said Sen. Ned Claxton, D-Auburn, a retired family physician. “If caught early, we can get the situation remediated, and prevent further damage. But if a child is being exposed to lead and it isn’t caught by early testing, the damage to their growing brains and bodies will continue.”

Current law mandates that only 1- and 2-year-olds on MaineCare be tested for lead exposure. The amended version of LD 1116 that the committee passed would mandate lead testing for all 1- and 2-year-olds in Maine, regardless of income.

“Lead poisoning doesn’t discriminate based on income, and neither should our testing,” said Sen. Libby.

LD 1116 now faces votes in the Maine Senate and House.