Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 23 The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that 38 million American homes (40% of all housing units) contain some lead-based paint that was applied before the residential use of lead paint was banned in 1978. For many homeowners, the prospect of remediating lead hazards can be daunting, but a HUD-funded program administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) can help. DHCD's Lead Hazard Reduction Program admin- isters HUD funds to remediate lead-based paint hazards in eligible households. To be eligible, a home must be built before 1978. For owner-occupied households, to qualify, a child under the age of 6 must be permanently living in the home, visiting twice or more per week, or an expecting mother must be living in the home. "Our priority is to serve children with elevated blood lead levels, but we serve any household with young children who are living with lead hazards," said Susan Hill, Lead Hazard Reduction Program manager with DHCD. Rental properties built before 1978 can be eligible for assistance without having a child present, because they turn over and could house children in the future, Hill said, "But we'd ask that landlord to prioritize renting to a young family." The program also has income stipulations on eligibility. Homeowners must make 80% or less of the area median household income. For the city of Fredericksburg, that would be at or below $97,800 per year for a household of 4. "Once we've done our initial lead inspection and risk assessment, we are able to determine exactly where there is lead-based paint in the home and then on what surfaces it is deteriorating," Hill said. "Our risk assessment also tests dust samples throughout the house as well as soil and water." The program then engages contractors certi- fied in lead-safe practices to remove or stabilize lead hazards found in the home. One of the most common repairs the lead hazard reduction program makes is the replacement of windows, since windows with lead paint can throw off lead-contaminated dust and chips. The program also ensures that lead-based paint has been removed from other high-friction surfaces such as doorways. Grant money can also pay for temporary lodging if families need to relocate during the work. Once the work is complete, pro- gram administrators perform a clearance test, taking dust wipe samples from the same places the hazards were first located to ensure the home is now lead-safe. The inspection process also leaves homeowners with a document that shows where lead paint is present in their home. "If they have any future plans to renovate, they will know if they'll be disturbing any lead-based paint," Hill said. Since its inception, the program has remediated lead in 97 Virginia homes. To start an applica- tion or learn more, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/lhr. "We are proud to offer this critical public health resource," Hill said, "and we want eligible fami- lies to take advantage of it." VDH.VIRGINIA.GOV/LEADSAFE State Program Can Help With Cost of Lead Removal

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