An evaluation of the Baltimore Community Lead Education and Reduction Corps (CLEAR Corps) program

This evaluation examines the effectiveness of the Baltimore Community Lead Education and Reduction Corps (CLEARCorps) program in reducing lead dust levels in low-income urban housing in Baltimore, Maryland, through minor lead-reduction activities and tenant lead-poisoning prevention education. Lead dust data collected before and after lead-reduction activities show statistically significant mean declines for floors, window sills, and window wells. Limited data using tests also show that follow-up lead dust levels collected 6 months after the CLEARCorps intervention were significantly lower than preintervention lead levels. Although there are many important of this analysis, the findings suggest that in-place management may be an effective method in reducing childhood lead poisoning in high-risk areas.