Kenosha County Public Health is highlighting the availability of its Live Lead Safe program during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The program is designed to help residents address lead paint hazards in homes built before 1978.
The Live Lead Safe program is open to both owner-occupied and rental homes, provided the household income falls below the levels set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which funds the initiative. Eligible participants can receive up to 85 percent coverage of construction costs for lead abatement, including removal, encapsulation, and, in some cases, replacement of windows, doors, and siding.
Priority is given to homes with children under age 6, 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 administers the program under a HUD grant for residents of both Kenosha and Racine counties. More information, including eligibility guidelines and an online screening questionnaire, is available at https://liveleadsafe.org.
For those living in homes built before 1978 who have not yet addressed lead hazards, Kenosha County Public Health recommends several precautions: wiping down flat surfaces with a damp paper towel, mopping floors weekly, removing shoes before entering the house, vacuuming carpets and upholstery (preferably with a HEPA filter), and carefully disposing of loose paint chips. Residents are also advised to avoid creating lead dust during renovations and to have their homes tested for lead hazards by a professional.
Children should have their blood lead levels tested at ages 1 and 2. Children ages 3 to 6 should also be tested if they live in or frequently visit older homes or if they have a sibling or playmate who has had lead poisoning.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student population. During the 2023-24 school year, the three largest schools by enrollment were Indian Trail High School and Academy, Tremper High School, and Bradford High School. White students made up 55.6% of the county’s 25,402 students, while Hispanic students accounted for 25.7% and Black students 10.4%. American Indian students represented 0.2% of the student body. Additional information about the county’s schools can be found at https://dpi.wi.gov/.
Further details about Kenosha County Public Health and its services are available at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/healthh.
