Lead remediation is cheap compared to years of health care and education costs for children with lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause permanent health problems including reduced IQ and increased rates of ADHD. One study conservatively estimated that it costs $38,000 over three years to educate a child with lead poisoning through special education. This study was published in 2003. Surely these costs have risen remarkably. The state can either invest $3 million now or burden our property taxes for the next 18 years. While it’s cheaper to encapsulate lead paint in the short run, what happens when you later demo a wall or sand a windowsill? The lead dust remains and spreads.

Housing is very tight; removing lead is significantly more affordable than rebuilding entire structures. Older paint starts to deteriorate and turns dusty but the lead in the paint does not; it stays as small, breathable particles that affect young brains. As the paint gets older, the problem becomes bigger. New Hampshire has the highest stock of houses built before 1978, surpassing other states. If we want to have the “advantage” over other states that have new housing stock, we need to remove the risk of lead poisoning now. I urge legislators to please support SB 392 and fund the lead paint hazard remediation program. New Hampshire needs to continue this successful program to protect our children, eliminate brain damage, and reduce educational costs.

Victor St. Pierre

Charlestown