Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
If you live in a residence built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint. Deteriorated lead-based paint creates lead hazards that can cause lead poisoning. Older homes may also have plumbing components that contain lead, which can get into drinking water. Lead poisoning is especially dangerous for children, who may suffer serious and long-term health effects if exposed to lead.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your family, and there are local resources to help you find out if you have lead in your home and what you can do about it!
PWC Partners with the City of Cincinnati, the Hamilton County Department of Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health to implement lead abatement programs in Cincinnati and Hamilton County:
City of Cincinnati CLOSE program – Do you own or rent a home built
before 1978 in the City of Cincinnati? Does a child six years old or younger
live in the home or visit regularly? You may be eligible for assistance
with removing lead paint, dust and soil hazards at the property through
a Lead Hazard Control grant from the City of Cincinnati! Call PWC’s
lead info line to learn more and see if you qualify at 513-366-4697.
Hamilton County Department of Public Health (HCPH.org/LEAD) – Do
you own or rent a home built before 1978 in Hamilton County? Does a
child under six years old live in the home or visit regularly? You
may be eligible for assistance with removing lead paint, dust, and soil
hazards at the property through a Lead Hazard Reduction grant from
Hamilton County Public Health. To learn more and to see if you qualify,
visit the HCPH Lead Hazard Reduction Program website or call PWC’s
lead info line at 513-366-4697.
Whole Home Lead Inspections - Are you a homeowner who lives in a
home built before 1978? Do you want to know if your home has lead-
based paint and where it is located? If so, you can hire PWC’s Whole
Home experts to conduct a lead inspection. Our licensed inspectors
can perform a surface-by-surface inspection throughout your home,
they can identify lead hazards and recommend solutions, or they can
conduct limited testing in areas where you plan to conduct home
renovations. Visit Whole Home’s website or call 513-482-5100 to learn
more.
Additional Resources
Cincinnati Lead Free Kids Video - Learn more about lead poisoning prevention
Greater Cincinnati Water Works Enhanced Lead and HELP programs – Did you know that you can be exposed to lead through drinking water, and that the underground pipes that carry water to your home may be made of lead? Fortunately there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk. If you’re a customer of Greater Cincinnati Water Works, check out their program webpage to learn more about how to get your water tested for lead, and to learn if you may be eligible for cost-sharing assistance to remove lead service lines:
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Check out GCWW’s interactive map to see if you have a lead service line: https://la.mygcww.org/replace-your-lead-service-line/
EPA’s RRP Rule - Thinking of hiring a contractor to renovate, repair or paint your home? If you live in a home built before 1978, you could potentially disturb lead-based paint and create dangerous hazards that could poison your family. Make sure you hire an EPA-certified firm to do any work that disturbs paint!
Are you planning to do the work yourself? Make sure you understand how to work lead safe: visit the EPA Lead website to learn about lead in your home and the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule.