| Erie County Lead Based Paint Program |
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| Written by Linda Kinder | |
| Monday, 05 April 2010 | |
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ERIE COUNTY LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD CONTROL PROGRAM Lead poisoning causes irreversible health effects without a cure. A wide range of problems include reduced IQ and attention span; hyperactivity; impaired growth; learning disabilities; hearing loss; insomnia; health, intellectual and behavioral problems. High levels of poisoning can cause mental retardation, coma, convulsions and even death. Children under age six are affected the most due to their rapidly growing bodies. Pregnant women are also at risk because lead ingested by the mother can be transmitted to the unborn fetus. Unfortunately housing-related health hazards are not found until after the illness develops. Erie County has received a HUD Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant in the amount of $3,000,000.00. The project activities include: performing lead inspection/risk assessments; conduct lead hazard control activities; provide resources for lead-safe work practices, abatement classes and contractor training; conduct community awareness, education and outreach programs. Primary goals are to build capacity necessary to protect families, especially children less than six years from lead poisoning and eliminate lead-based paint hazards in the County’s housing stock. Doors, windows and exterior siding are common places where lead-based paint can be found. Therefore, the majority of work is expected to consist of door replacement, window replacement and exterior siding installation. Other lead hazards will be addressed based on testing. This not only reduces lead hazards but increases the value of the housing unit. It provides energy efficiency measures thereby reducing heating costs. It would eliminate the risk of lead poisoning in the home thereby reducing liability. The program will provide funding for the direct reduction of lead hazards in 220 homes in owner-occupied homes and rental homes. Information will be provided to home-owners, landlords and do-it-yourselfers on how to work lead-safe while working on homes themselves. Seventy-five (75%) of the construction costs will be provided by the County. Twenty-five (25%) must be provided by the property owner. Landlords with trained maintenance staff may be able to complete the work themselves. The lead inspections will be provided free of charge to all approved applicants. The house will be listed on the County Recorder’s website as being free of lead hazards. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Patty Lines, Program Manager, at 440-892-7873 or email at plines@lines-assoc.com or Tim King, Program Director, at 419-627-7524. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 09 April 2010 ) |
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