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EPA Lead Program Grant Fact Sheet
EPA's Targeted Lead Grants
EPA's Targeted Lead Grant Program funds projects in areas with high incidences of children with elevated blood-lead levels in vulnerable populations. In 2007 the Agency awarded more than $5.2 million in grants under this ambitious program. These targeted grants are intended to address immediate needs of the communities in which they are awarded, and will also highlight lead poison prevention strategies that can be used in similar communities across the country.
EPA's lead program is playing a major role in meeting the federal goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning as a major public health concern by 2010, and the projects supported by these grant funds are an important part of this ongoing effort. According to the Centers for Disease Control in 1978 there were 13.5 million children in the US with elevated blood lead levels. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000.
New York, New York - Outreach to the South Asian Community
EPA has selected the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) in New York City for a Targeted Lead Grant.
The project will assess lead poisoning risks and implement prevention activities related to the use of imported, lead-contaminated herbal products (HPs) among South Asian children and reproductive-aged women. In 2005, a number of lead poisoning cases in New York City involved South Asian children and pregnant women. Some imported HPs containing lead have been identified with cases of lead poisoning and have been specifically marketed for use by children, pregnant women and women of reproductive age. However, little is known about the extent of HP use among the South Asian community in New York City and blood lead levels (BLLs) among this group. This two-year project is aimed at reducing lead poisoning among South Asians in New York City by:
- Implementing a pilot lead poisoning screening program to identify elevated BLLs among Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani children, pregnant women or women of reproductive age who live in New York City.
- Developing and implementing a survey tool to characterize herbal products and understudied risk factors within this population.
- Developing and implementing a culturally appropriate pilot program to prevent lead poisoning in the South Asian Community.
For more information about EPA's Lead Program, visit www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.