Lead Paint
High lead levels in Coast Guard housing is forcing families to evacuate across the country, including in Long Island, N.Y.'s North Shore, according to local television station News 12 Long Island. The Coast Guard initiated a nationwide review of its housing after high levels of lead were discovered at a base in Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.
The Coast Guard issued a statement saying, "The Coast Guard recently conducted an extensive analysis of its entire housing inventory to identify homes with environmental risks, including lead-based paint, radon and asbestos. The analysis identified 67 homes in 24 locations with potential environmental risks. Out of an abundance of caution, the Coast Guard is taking immediate action to ensure the safety of our members and their families through the Safe Homes Initiative. These actions include conducting state-certified inspections of at-risk properties, remediating unsafe conditions, or relocating families to safer housing. Our families are our top priority."
According to health experts, there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe. They say lead can cause kidney disease and brain damage.
In its statement the Coast Guard went on to say, "Our top priority is the safety of our members and their families. We will strive to protect Coast Guard families from exposure to environmental risks."
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