Kenosha County Public Health is highlighting the availability of its Live Lead Safe program during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to reduce lead paint hazards in older homes for eligible residents.
The program is open to both owner-occupied and rental properties with household incomes below HUD-established limits. For those who qualify, up to 85 percent of construction costs related to lead abatement can be covered. This includes removal or encapsulation of lead paint and, in some cases, replacement of windows, doors, and siding. Homes built before 1978 are eligible for assistance.
Priority is given to homes with children under age six, pregnant women, or residential daycare facilities.
“Even at low levels, lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral issues, or other health challenges,” said Mark Melotik, Kenosha County Public Health’s Environmental Health Manager. “The Live Lead Safe program is a valuable resource for families that might not have the means to afford mitigation efforts to make their homes safer.”
Kenosha County Public Health manages the program through a HUD grant for residents in both Kenosha and Racine counties. More information about eligibility requirements and an online screening questionnaire can be found at www.kenoshacountywi.gov/lead.
To help prevent lead poisoning in homes built before 1978 where mitigation has not occurred, Kenosha County Public Health recommends several steps: wiping down flat surfaces like windowsills with damp paper towels; mopping smooth floors weekly; removing shoes when entering the house; vacuuming carpets and upholstery using a HEPA filter if possible; carefully picking up loose paint chips; taking precautions during renovations; testing for lead hazards by professionals; and having children’s blood tested at ages one and two. Children aged three to six should also be tested if they live in or frequently visit houses built before 1950 or those with recent renovations.
In Kenosha County schools during the 2023-24 academic year, white students comprised 55.6% of enrollment (14,124 out of 25,402 students), while Hispanic students made up 25.7% (6,528) and Black students accounted for 10.4% (2,642). American Indian students were among the least represented groups at just 0.2%. Additional school demographic data can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website at https://dpi.wi.gov/.
Further details about Kenosha County Public Health services are available at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/health.
