Bridgeport houses are full of history and architectural character, but health-wise many have hidden dangers, especially when it comes to lead-based paint. This paint, commonly used on the walls, doors, and window frames of houses built before 1978, is a dangerous problem that can lead to lifelong learning disabilities when ingested by children. In 2004, Bridgeport recorded lead poisoning levels that were more than twice the state average, a situation that was not likely to fix itself without help.
In response, BNT launched its Healthy Homes Initiative in 2005. While our focus is lead, we champion the broader concept of a “Healthy Home”: a house free of environmental hazards such as lead, mold, asthma, allergens, pests, carbon monoxide, and radon. Today BNT is working hard to make Bridgeport homes healthy, and our work falls into three main categories: outreach activities to inform the community of the dangers of lead and other environmental hazards; training opportunities for lead abatement workers; and a lead removal program for low-income family homes.