Agencies Investigating Flakes of Lead Paint Falling from Baltimore Bridges

Contaminated paint chips violate state pollution laws, prompting cleanup efforts by city and state officials.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Flakes of lead paint are falling from several Baltimore bridges, contaminating sidewalks, streets, and streams. Testing by the environmental nonprofit Blue Water Baltimore has confirmed high lead levels in the paint chips, which are in violation of state pollution laws. Baltimore City and the Maryland Department of the Environment are now working to remove the hazardous debris and prevent further release.

Why it matters

The presence of lead paint flakes in public areas poses a significant health risk, especially for children who may come into contact with the contaminated debris. This issue highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in maintaining aging infrastructure and addressing environmental hazards. Proper remediation is crucial to protect the local community and ecosystem from the harmful effects of lead exposure.

The details

Blue Water Baltimore first discovered the issue with the 28th Street Bridge, where paint chips containing 36 times the standard lead limit were found impacting the surrounding Falls Road and Jones Falls area. The city has been directed by the Maryland Department of the Environment to remove the chips and prevent further debris. Similar problems have been identified at the Orleans Street Viaduct over I-83 and Guilford Avenue, as well as the I-95 overpass at Arbutus Avenue. Baltimore City and the State Highway Administration are now working to test additional bridges and coordinate cleanup efforts.

  • The issue with the 28th Street Bridge was first reported in early 2026.
  • The Maryland Department of the Environment confirmed the high lead levels in the paint chips in February 2026.
  • Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott announced the city's cleanup efforts on March 5, 2026.

The players

Blue Water Baltimore

An environmental nonprofit organization that conducted testing and identified the lead paint issue on several Baltimore bridges.

Barbara Johnson

The senior manager of water protection and community advocacy for Blue Water Baltimore.

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore City, who announced the city's plans to address the lead paint contamination.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

The state agency that confirmed the high lead levels in the paint chips and is directing the city and state to take action.

State Highway Administration (SHA)

The state agency that owns the I-95 bridge in Halethorpe and is coordinating with Baltimore City on the cleanup efforts.

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What they’re saying

“I have to say this is the first time I've seen flaking paint off bridges that is high concentrated in lead.”

— Barbara Johnson, Senior Manager of Water Protection and Community Advocacy, Blue Water Baltimore

“Additionally, bridges surrounding that bridge will be proactively tested and continue to be tested for lead paint. And any other bridges that test positive will be added to the remediation program.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor, Baltimore City

“Considering the levels, it is concerning to have that amount of lead in our ecosystem.”

— Barbara Johnson, Senior Manager of Water Protection and Community Advocacy, Blue Water Baltimore

What’s next

The Maryland Department of the Environment is awaiting results from its inspection of the I-95 overpass at Arbutus Avenue, and the city and state agencies are working to develop a comprehensive plan to test and remediate all affected bridges.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining aging infrastructure and addressing environmental hazards in urban areas. Proper testing, remediation, and prevention measures are crucial to protect public health and the local ecosystem from the harmful effects of lead exposure.