Ohio News |

State announces awards to protect families from lead

State officials announced Dec. 14 that the Lead Safe Ohio program will allocate $84 million to support lead mitigation and prevention projects in residential properties, childcare facilities and congregate care facilities in 72 counties, including Northeast Ohio, according to a news release.

“Behind every instance of lead exposure, is a person and a future put at risk,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in the release. “This funding signifies a decisive step in our mission to protect our most vulnerable citizens and create a healthier and safer Ohio for generations to come.”

The $84,321,999 in funds will be allocated as follows: $50.3 million for owner-occupied homes; $17.3 million for rental properties; $6.5 million for childcare facilities; and $1.5 million for congregate care shelters.

The Lead Safe Ohio Program was established in partnership with the 134th Ohio General Assembly, which funded the program in House Bill 45 with $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, the release said.

In total, the Lead Safe Ohio program will award nearly $100 million for lead prevention and mitigation activities in eligible properties built before lead-based paint was outlawed in 1978, according to the release.

The funding awards will be used toward projects such as waterline replacement, window and door replacement, siding enclosure, soffit enclosure, porch component repair and lead cleaning efforts, the release said.

Funding is available to entities in all 88 counties based on high-risk ZIP codes, the number of homes built before 1980, and the percentage of low-to-moderate-income households in the state, according to the release.

Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by lead-based paint, which produces chips and dust when deteriorating.

While lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, children are at the greatest risk.

Children’s bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance.

Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and the ability to learn and earn an income.

Lead Safe Ohio – construction awards include:

• Lorain County will receive $1,892,000.

• Erie County commissioners will receive $510,000.

• Lake County commissioners will receive $1,303,000.

• Great Lakes Community Action Partnership in Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Huron, Ottawa, Putnam, Sandusky and Seneca counties will receive $4,479,000.

More information about the dangers of lead poisoning is available on the Ohio Department of Health website at https://odh.ohio.gov/.

For more information on the Lead Safe Ohio program, visit https://development.ohio.gov/community/housing-and-homelessness/lead-safe-ohio-program.