Project Funder: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Project Partner: City of Cambridge, MA
Project Contact: Jill Breysse, jbreysse@nchh.org, 443.539.4155
Project Description: After treating dwellings using funds from the HUD Lead Hazard Control Grant Program in Cambridge, MA, units were randomly assigned to a "program mat" treatment group or to a control ("no mat") group. Study results for the 65 enrolled units indicate that the Cambridge lead program was effective in treating homes. Results indicate that mats may have had a slight effect on dust lead loadings inside homes. Because mats are inexpensive and may aid in preventing track-in, it was recommended that programs consider distribution of mats after lead treatments, educating tenants about maintenance, and periodic replacement to prevent mats from becoming exposure sources themselves.