RI Addressing Childhood Lead Poisoning At Summit

RHODE ISLAND — Childhood lead poisoning remains an urgent public health issue in the state, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

In 2021, nearly 2 percent of all children tested in the state were found to be lead poisoned, state health officials said. And since March, the Attorney General's Office has filed more than a dozen complaints against Rhode Island landlords for failing to address significant lead hazards in the homes they own.

To address the issue, the Rhode Island Department of Health will bring together community advocates, municipal officials, and public health professionals on Friday for the 2022 Summit to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. State officials said the aim of the summit will be to strategize on efforts to improve the availability of lead safe housing and prevent childhood lead poisoning.

The summit is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the William C. Gaige Hall at Rhode Island College in Providence.

The Summit will feature presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions on why lead is harmful, community impacts, and preventing exposure to lead.

More on Lead Violations In Rhode Island

• RI Children Suffer Lead Poisoning, 5 Landlords Facing Lawsuits
• 3 RI Landlords Facing Lawsuits After 2 Children Suffer Lead Poisoning
• RI Attorney General Takes More Action Against Lead Violations
• Rhode Island Landlords Face Consequences For Lead Violations
• 4 Providence Landlords Facing Lawsuit For Lead Violations.