(Host) A Vermont program aimed at reducing lead paint hazards has been awarded a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The money will help keep the Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program going. That program helps low-income families assess lead hazards and make a plan for abatement, such as reducing lead dust and replacing windows.
Lead paint is present in most of Vermont houses built before 1978, the year lead paint was banned. The lead program’s Ron Rupp says lead becomes a problem when that paint begins to deteriorate:
(Rupp) "The primary pathway that children get poisoned is through dust, what happens is the lead from the paint breaks down and gets into the house dust and then gets all over everything, and especially really young kids like one and two years old are crawling around on the floor, putting many things in their mouth."
(Host) The funding will be used to control lead hazards in 230 homes and apartments. It will also be used for lead-safety training programs for rental property owners, contractor owners and child care providers required under Vermont law.
Rupp says people should evaluate the condition of paint in their homes and contact the program if paint is deteriorating:
(Rupp) "The problem is much more prevalent than most people realize. They’ve now discovered that there’s really no safe level of lead, especially for young children."