Erie County

Lead Hazard Control Program

The purpose of this program is solely to reduce and/or eliminate lead hazards in homes located in Erie County. Children who reside in or visit homes containing high levels of lead are at risk for lead poisoning.

Lead exposure can be detrimental to children, especially those 5 years old and younger. Children who have been exposed to lead may experience:

• Difficulty learning
• Behavioral issues
• Delayed speech and motor skills
• Heart and/or kidney problems
• Other issues

The scope of this program includes work completed on bare soil, flooring, dust, painted surfaces, windows, and exteriors where lead is found.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Be Aware of the Dangers of Lead

Although the government banned the use of lead-based paint in 1978, it can be found in many older homes to this day. Lead is commonly found in:

• Homes in the city, country or suburbs
• Apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing
• Interior and exterior of homes
• Soil around the home, which can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources

Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. People can get lead in their bodies by breathing lead dust or eating soil or paint chips containing lead. Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage—kids 0-5 are at high risk. Lead poisoning can lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, speech and motor skills. Exposure to lead is a risk factor for criminal behavior.

Checking Your Home for Lead

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

• 87% of homes built before 1940 contain lead-based paint.
• 24% of homes built between 1960-1978 contain lead-based paint.

Many of the oldest existing homes in Erie County date back to the early 20th century or prior, which makes it strongly probable that those homes once contained —or may still contain — lead-based paint.

RACE checks homes for lead paint by performing a combination Paint Inspection/Risk Assessment to determine whether the home has lead-based paint hazards.

Income Guidelines are subject to yearly changes. RACE will require documentation from all adult occupants to verify that the household is within the income guidelines.