Certified Lead Center

The Westbay Lead Center provides education and outreach for lead poisoning prevention to expecting parents and those with young children, as well as interested homeowners and tenants.

Lead Program Coordinator Charles Marchand, has been with Westbay since 2005. He previously worked with Rhode Island Department of Health as an Industrial Hygienist for the Lead Program, and as a Health Facility Surveyor.

Marchand has a B.A. from Rhode Island College and a master's in human resources and labor relations, alternate dispute resolution processes. He is also licensed as a RI Environmental Lead Inspector Technician, ELT-0067 and Lead-Safe Renovator/Remodeler, LRM-0984, and is certified to instruct the Lead Hazard Mitigation class.

The Lead Center provides non-medical case management services to families with a child who the RI Department of Health identified with an elevated blood lead level of 6 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) and higher.

Lead poisoning is a dangerous, but completely preventable health condition. Lead poisoning can cause damage to the nervous system, reproductive system and kidneys. Other problems that can stem from lead poisoning include learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, behavior problems, a decrease in IQ points, speech delay, hearing damage, decreased bone and muscle growth, as well as problems with muscle coordination. In extreme cases, lead poisoning can cause seizures, coma and even death.

Lead hazards are common in homes and furniture built before 1978. Lead hazards can be found where paint is deteriorating, such as chipping and peeling paint, old wooden windows, and other friction surfaces. Lead can also be found in soil and water.

To better understand the dangers of lead poisoning and the hazardous places within and outside of the home, call the Lead Center at 732-4660, x144 to answer questions or to schedule an appointment.

Healthy Kids Collaborative
A Partnership with the Rhode Island Attorney General and the Children's Health Forum. The Healthy Kids Collaborative (HKC) is a statewide lead safety initiative in Rhode Island, funded by DuPont, and conducted as a partnership between the Children's Health Forum and Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch, with the input and guidance of a commission of community leaders.