Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead poisoning is invisible and 100 percent preventable. Over 80 percent of all homes built before 1978 in the U.S. contain lead-based paint. The primary source of lead exposure is through leaded dust generated from deteriorating lead-based paint. Chipping, flaking, peeling paint or lead-based paint can generate invisible leaded dust that can cause serious permanent damage to children, pregnant women and adults. People can become lead poisoned by breathing or swallowing lead dust.
Waste Management conducts investigations of reports of lead poisoning in children under 6 years of age. Certified Lead Risk Assessors inspect homes for potential lead risks from exposure to lead-based paint, dust, soil, or water.
Lead Hazard Reduction Programs
Hamilton County Public Health was awarded $2 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Funding is available to reduce lead paint hazards in homes built before 1978, as well as address healthy housing issues such as ventilation and moisture control. This program is available for low-income families who have a child under the age of 6 years old, a pregnant woman, or where a child under 6 years old spends time. There are no fees or out of pocket expenses in most cases to participate in this program. Click the button below for instructions on how to apply!
Lead Risk Assessment
- When an elevated blood lead level (>10 ug/dl) in a child under 6 years old is identified, this triggers the need for a lead risk assessment to determine what sources of lead exposure exists in the home.
- The risk of lead contamination is primarily found in homes built prior to 1978 that are in poor condition. Children 6 years of age or younger are most at risk from the presence of lead due to their behavior at this early age. For example, babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.
- A certified Lead Risk Assessor visits the premises to check for the presence of lead hazards from potential sources such as lead-based paint, which may be present in dust and soil. Lead can also be found in older water systems containing lead pipes. The lead risk assessor determines potential exposures of lead during the assessment by performing a comprehensive analysis of all possible sources.
HEPA Vacuum Loan Program
Hamilton County Public Health loans HEPA vacuum cleaners at no charge ($100 refundable deposit required) to assist property owners with lead cleanup and removal. Please call the Health District’s Waste Management Division at (513) 946-7879 for more information. View loan agreement guidelines here.
Other Resources
Free Paint Chip & Soil Testing
Hamilton County Public Health provides testing of household chipping paint and soil for lead.
Click here to view the guidelines for paint and chip testing.
Common Sources of Lead Poisoning
Over 80 percent of all homes built before 1978 in the U.S. contain lead-based paint. Click here to view spaces in residential properties that are commonly susceptible to lead hazards.
Lead Hazard Control Orders
HCPH publicly lists open lead abatement work orders so that property owners, tenants, and purchasers are aware of existing lead based paint hazards on residential properties. View the current list here.
Lead Abatement Contractor Search
Need lead hazards removed from your property? Click here to search for a licensed lead abatement contractor.
Additional Resources
- Cleaning Up Take-Home Lead Dust in your Home and Car
- Don’t Take Lead Home From Your Job
- Environmental Protection Agency Lead Resources
- Keeping Lead at Work and Preventing Take-Home Lead Exposure
- Lead Poisoning Fact Sheet
- Lead Poisoning in Children
- Lead Prevention Publication List
- Lead Prevention Resource List
- OSHA Lead Quick Card
- U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
