10/30/2026
New Bedford Recognizes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Highlights Lead Paint and Healthy Homes Program
The City of New Bedfordβs Office of Housing and Community Development is recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25β31, by raising awareness about the dangers of lead-based paint and highlighting resources available to help protect children, families, and residents from lead exposure.
Lead poisoning is a preventable health concern that can have serious and lasting effects, particularly on young children. Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. As this paint deteriorates, it can create hazardous dust and paint chips that may be swallowed or inhaled. Children under six years old are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can affect brain development, learning, behavior, and overall health. Pregnant women and their unborn children can also be at risk.
Through its Lead Paint and Healthy Homes Program, the City provides funding to help address lead paint hazards in eligible residential properties. With funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developmentβs Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, the program supports efforts to make homes safer and healthier for residents while helping property owners address lead hazards.
βThe cost of lead paint abatement can often be a significant barrier to a healthier home,β Mayor Jon Mitchell said. βThat is why the City has made it a priority to help residents overcome this challenge. I encourage homeowners to contact Housing and Community Development to determine if they qualify for this valuable opportunity to protect themselves and their families from potential lead exposure.β
The Program offers assistance to both eligible homeowners and investor-owners whose rental properties are occupied by qualifying households.
βProtecting children from lead exposure starts with awareness. Our office is eager to assist city residents in understanding their options and accessing financial resources,β said Joshua Amaral, Director of Housing and Community Development.
Homeowner Assistance
The Program provides grant assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners to address lead paint hazards in homes occupied by a pregnant woman or a household that includes a child under the age of six. To qualify, homeowners must have a household income at or below 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developmentβs area median family income.
Assistance for Investor-Owned Properties
Investor-owners may also be eligible for Program funding to address lead paint hazards in rental units occupied by income-eligible tenants. While investor-owners are not required to meet the programβs household income limits themselves, tenants residing in investor-owned properties must qualify as low- or moderate-income households, with incomes at or below 80 percent of HUDβs area median income.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week serves as an important reminder that identifying and addressing lead hazards can help prevent childhood lead exposure and create healthier living environments for New Bedford residents. Property owners are encouraged to learn more about lead paint hazards and explore available assistance to determine whether their properties may qualify for the program.
For additional information about the City of New Bedfordβs Lead Paint and Healthy Homes Program, including eligibility requirements and available assistance, residents and property owners may contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at 508-979-1500 or newbedford-ma.gov/community-development.
