Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein has made protecting the city?s children from lead poisoning a priority since his appointment in January 2006. He spoke with The Examiner about the progress and shortfalls of this crusade.
How safe are our school water fountains?
There was an extensive effort to make sure that the water the kids have access to has very low lead levels or no lead. There still are some schools that use bottled water, because their outlets have still not been cleared. Water fountains can not be put into use until they are tested and cleared.
Does the city follow up with vendors whose toys have been cited for lead?
We generally find them pretty eager to take items off the shelves. We do a lot of stores in the same chain, but we don?t do a lot of repeat inspections. We?re focused on public information and awareness.
With the state?s commitment to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2010, whatis the scope of the problem in Baltimore?
In 2006, 843 children were found with elevated blood lead levels in Baltimore City. That?s 843 children too many.
How many houses or apartments are there in violation that haven?t been fixed?
There are still thousands of properties in Baltimore that could still pose a lead risk. We are trying to focus on properties where children are living (or due to be born) and might be exposed. Much more needs to be done to reach the 2010 goal.
