Significant reductions in child lead poisoning

Lewiston has made significant progress in protecting children from the lifelong impacts of lead poisoning.

From 2009–2013, nearly 9% of children tested in Lewiston had elevated blood lead levels of 5 µg/dL or higher. In the most recent five-year period (2019–2023), that number dropped to just over 4%: a 54% reduction. This outpaces many other high-risk areas in Maine.

54% reduction

in childhood lead poisoning in children who were tested

This is the result of coordinated action from local and state partners, including targeted investments in lead hazard abatement, community outreach, and improved testing efforts. Lewiston secured funding from HUD and a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative to reduce risks before children are poisoned, especially in the Tree Streets Neighborhood the majority of housing stock requires lead remediation or replacement.

While the decline is promising, the work is far from done. Continued work is critical to continue increasing testing rates, replace or remediate our housing stock, and make sure families who live in houses built before 1978 understand potential lead hazards. With partners like the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Healthy Androscoggin, the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the John T. Gorman Foundation, and many others, Lewiston’s progress is a great model. The reduction we’ve seen is the result of focused public health strategies and community investment, proving that together we can reduce preventable harm and pave the way for a safer community.