Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Contaminated Dust
According to many experts, lead in household dust and the soil around the home a leading cause of exposure for children. Much of this lead comes from the use of leaded gasoline and lead in paint—both of which were banned decades ago. But the lead remains in the soil and dust and the lead-based paint in many homes and can become hazardous. Checking the paint, soil, and dust in and around your home is a great place to start. Click one of the resources blow to learn more.
LEARN ABOUT PAINT, SOIL, DUST LEAD CONTAMINATION
Lead-contaminated dust is created when lead-based paint in older homes chips, flakes and peels.
This dust can get on hands, toys, cloth, fabric and more around the house. Breathing in or swallowing lead-contaminated dust can cause many health problems.
Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint.
Lead was often added to paint used in homes built before 1978. In 1978, the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in homes. The older the home, the more likely it is to have lead-based paint.
The most common places to find lead-contaminated dust from paint in older homes are:
- Windows
- Doors
- Exterior paint
- Places where remodeling or repair is occurring
- Where lead-painted surfaces scrape or rub together
The best way to prevent lead exposure in older homes is to stop the lead at the source. Hire a certified lead professional to help identify and remove lead from your home.
Resources
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY INFORMATION LEAD REMEDIATION
A comprehensive resource for homeowners who would like to start the process of making their homes lead safe.
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MI LEAD SAFE - LEAD-BASED PAINT AND DUST
A comprehensive resource for homeowners who would like to start the process of making their homes lead safe.
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Comprehensive State of Michigan resource regarding the problem of lead-based paint hazards in older homes.
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TESTING PAINT, SOIL, DUST LEAD CONTAMINATION
Testing is the first step to understanding whether you have a problem or not. There are many organizations and businesses who are able to help.
Kent County Health Department
Program name: Ready by Five — Home Health Screening
What the program does: A trained and certified expert comes to your home and helps identify, through visual assessment and environmental sampling, potential lead hazards in the home, as well as other health concerns. Provides report, makes recommendations for action, and navigates to resources.
- Free, quick, non-invasive inspection to look for potential hazards in the home, including lead, asthma, and general safety.
- Free education on how to eliminate hazards and prevent future exposures
- If hazards are found, we offer additional inspections and assessments to identify the cause *Additional inspections are either free or available at a reduced cost based on income qualifications
- We connect you with resources that may help reduce or event eliminate the cost of any necessary repairs
- Available for Kent County households that have:
- At least one member of the household that is pregnant, OR
- At least one member of the household under the age of 6
This program is best for: Preliminary assessment of a home that is at low to moderate risk to help identify and prioritize repairs.
Eligibility: The property must be in Kent County and there must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman. Both homeowners and tenants are eligible. Other criteria may apply.
Cost: Free, but donations encouraged so that more families can be served.
How do I sign up? Call the Kent County Health Department – 616-632-6900.
Program name: Lead Paint Inspection / Risk Assessment (LIRA)
What the program does: A trained and certified expert comes to your home and thoroughly tests all painted surfaces with XRF technology to see if they contain lead. Dust samples and soil samples are also taken in and around the home. An extensive report with results and recommendations is provided.
This program is best for: Deep investigation for hazards in high-risk housing and for preparing for abatement.
Eligibility: The property must be in Kent County and there must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman. Both homeowners and landlords are eligible. KCHD limits this service to the highest risk housing. Screening may be a pre-requisite. Other criteria may apply.
Cost: Free, but donations encouraged so that more families can be served.
How do I sign up? Call the Kent County Health Department – 616-632-6900
Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan
Program name: Nido Healthy Homes Screenings
What the program does: Provides a cell phone application to help parents and others conduct a basic check for hazards in the home. The app is designed to identify high-risk housing for additional support and services.
This program is best for: Preliminary assessment of a home to identify risk, linking those who live in high-risk homes to personalized support.
Eligibility: The property must be in Kent County and there must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman. Both homeowners and tenants are eligible. Other criteria may apply.
Cost: Free, but donations encouraged so that more families can be served.
How do I sign up? Call the Healthy Homes Coalition at (616) 241-3300 or email info@healthyhomescoalition.org.
Program name: Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids
What the program does: A trained expert comes to your home and helps identify potential lead hazards in the home through visual assessment and assisting the occupant with environmental sampling. Looks for other health concerns as well (mold, asthma triggers, CO, fire safety, etc.). Provides report, makes recommendations for action, and navigates to resources.
This program is best for: Homeowners and tenants who have a lot of questions and could use support. This is a highly relational program.
Eligibility: The property must be in Kent County and there must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman. Both homeowners and tenants are eligible. Other criteria may apply.
Cost: Free, but donations encouraged so that more families can be served.
How do I sign up? Call the Healthy Homes Coalition at (616) 241-3300 or email info@healthyhomescoalition.org.
Collect Soil Samples or Paint Chips and have them tested
Program name: GPI Labs
What the program does: NLLAP-certified lab that analyzes soil, paint chip, and dust samples. Willing to work with parents and homeowners.
This program is best for: Spot-checking suspected hazards to see if they contain lead.
Eligibility: Anyone.
Cost: Fee for service. Contact GPI Labs for current rates.
How do I sign up? Call GPI Labs at (616) 940-3112 to get instructions and pricing.
Hire a licensed Lead Paint Inspector / Risk Assessor
What the program does: A state-certified lead paint inspector / risk assessor is trained and approved to thoroughly test all painted surfaces in the home with XRF technology to see if they contain lead. Dust samples and soil samples are also taken in and around the home. An extensive report with results and recommendations is provided. This is a comprehensive report.
This program is best for: Determining if lead-based paint is present and in a hazardous condition, preparing for abatement, and for assessing housing prior to extensive renovation.
Eligibility: Anyone.
Cost: Fee for service. Contact certified contractors for current rates.
How do I sign up? Obtain a list of certified contractors from the State of Michigan’s website and call contractors directly.
FIXING PAINT, SOIL, DUST LEAD CONTAMINATION
Cleaning interventions are often the first defense against lead. While no replacement for fixing the source of the hazard, cleaning can reduce exposure and add a layer of protection. Cleaning is an important step while the home is being assessed and repairs are being scheduled. Click here for an informative and helpful fact sheet on special cleaning methods to reduce the risk of lead exposure.
City of Grand Rapids – Lead Hazard Control Program
Program name: Lead Hazard Control Program, commonly known as the Get the Lead Out! Program.
What the program does: Provides a lead inspection / risk assessment for the home and the completes repairs to address all the paint, dust, and soil hazards identified. Uses state-certified inspection and lead abatement contractors.
This program is best for: Long-term repairs to address lead hazards in housing.
Eligibility: The property must be in the City of Grand Rapids and there must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman. Both homeowners and landlords are eligible. Occupant household must be low to moderate income. Other criteria may apply.
Cost: Free for owner occupants who stay in the home for five years, small copay for rental property owners.
How do I sign up? Call the City of Grand Rapids Housing Rehabilitation Office at (616) 456-3030, email lhcp@grcity.us or apply online.
State of Michigan Lead-Safe Homes Program
Program name: Lead Safe Home Program
What the program does: Provides a lead inspection / risk assessment for the home and the completes repairs to address all the paint, dust, and soil hazards identified. Uses state-certified inspection and lead abatement contractors.
This program is best for: Long-term repairs to address lead hazards in housing.
Eligibility: The property may be located anywhere in the State of Michigan and there must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman. Both homeowners and landlords are eligible. Occupant household must be low to moderate income. Other criteria may apply.
How do I sign up? Call Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at (517) 335-9390, email MDHHS-LeadApps@michigan.gov, or download an application online.
Michigan Saves
Program name: Michigan Saves Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund
What the program does: Provides a lead inspection / risk assessment for the home and the completes repairs to address selected paint, dust, and soil hazards identified. The homeowner determines which hazards are to be repaired. Use of state-certified inspection and lead abatement contractors required.
This program is best for: Those who make too much money to be eligible for other government programs and those who want to address only selected lead hazards in their home.
Eligibility: The property must be in Michigan. No child-occupancy criteria. No income criteria other than creditworthiness. Single-family owner-occupied homes (up to four attached units) and single-family rental properties. Other criteria may apply.
Cost: Unsecured, personal loans at fixed rates of 3.99% to 7.00% APR (subject to change).
How do I sign up? Visit website.
Renovate Lead Safe (EPA resources for DIY)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) information for helping do-it-yourself homeowners remodel lead safe. A comprehensive resource for working lead safe when remodeling or renovating a home.
Hire Contractors who are trained and certified to work lead-safe
Federal law administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all contractors disturbing lead-based paint in homes and child-occupied facilities are trained, federally certified, and follow safe work practices. This federal rule is call the Renovation, Repair, and Painting program (RRP) . If you are hiring a contractor to make repairs to your home, be sure they are RRP-certified by checking their certification on the EPA’s website.
