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Introduction to the Program
The Rental Lead Dust Wipe Program (RDLW) is sponsored by the Bangor Lead Prevention Steering Committee, and administered by Penquis. The Rental Dust Wipe Program is designed to provide free testing for rental properties in the City of Bangor only to determine the presence and threats posed by lead, and to identify appropriate remediation actions. Funding is provided by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maine Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund through a grant to the Bangor Region Public Health and Wellness, a Healthy Maine Partnership.
Additional support is provided to landlords to access: 1) free or reduced fee trainings, workshops, and person-to-person consultations about how to maintain their unit as lead safe, 2) information on how to access lead remediation funding, and 3) reduced rental rates for a High Efficiency Particulate Air vacuum (HEPA) to remove lead dust.
Prevalence of Lead Poisonings in Bangor’s Older Rental Neighborhoods
Statewide 40% of all reported lead poisonings are occurring in 5 urban areas of the state. Bangor’s older neighborhoods, basically between I-95 and the Penobscot River, have been identified as one of those high risk areas and targeted for this program. New federal rules affecting renovation work and increased scrutiny by state and federal regulators and public healthy officials are increasing the oversight over lead safe practices, particularly among children.
Lead poisoning is dangerous and a serious environmental hazard, yet completely preventable. Renovating lead painted surfaces creates hazardous dust, fumes, and debris if removed improperly. According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, lead, even at low levels, can cause learning disabilities, lower IQ, and behavioral problems in children. From a landlord liability standpoint, when blood tests confirm lead poisonings, this can result in significant liability and loss of rental income.
Fortunately, there are resources available to help landlords.
How to Participate
There are two steps for landlords wishing to participate in the Rental Lead Dust Wipe Program:
- Complete a Rental Lead Dust Wipe Program Application . 1 page
- Sign and date the ‘Conditions of Participation’ form . 1 page
Send the attached to: Rob Seavey, Penquis, PO Box 1162, 262 Harlow St., Bangor, Maine 04402-1162. You will be contacted within 3 business days to answer any questions and establish a date to conduct the tests.
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