Massachusetts has received $7 million in grants from the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a number of activities intended to protect children and families from lead-based paint and other home health and safety hazards. 

The grants are to be used in the cities of Brockton, Lawrence and Somerville, according to a statement. Around $127 million was awarded nationally.

“Protecting the health, and indeed the futures, of our children is a top priority for HUD,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “These grants will help communities around the nation to protect families from lead exposure and other significant health and safety hazards.”

Brockton will receive $2.1 million; Lawrence will receive $3.1 million; and Somerville will receive nearly $1.9 million.