Kenosha County Public Health is highlighting the availability of its Live Lead Safe program during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The program, supported by federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is designed to help eligible residents reduce lead paint hazards in older homes.
The Live Lead Safe initiative serves both owner-occupied and rental properties where household income falls below HUD-established levels. It can cover up to 85 percent of construction costs related to lead abatement, including removal, encapsulation, 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 six years old, pregnant women, or those used as 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 reduce risks of lead poisoning in homes built before 1978 that have not undergone mitigation work, Kenosha County Public Health recommends wiping down flat surfaces like windowsills with a damp paper towel; mopping smooth floors weekly; removing shoes upon entering the house; vacuuming carpets and upholstery using HEPA filters if possible; carefully picking up loose paint chips with a paper towel; taking precautions during remodeling to avoid creating lead dust; testing for lead hazards by a professional; and ensuring children’s blood is tested for lead exposure at recommended ages.
Additional information about public health services offered by Kenosha County is available at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/health.
In the 2023-24 school year in Kenosha County, Indian Trail High School and Academy had the highest enrollment with 2,001 students. Tremper High School followed with 1,458 students and Bradford High School had 1,448 students. White students made up 55.6% of the student body (14,124 out of 25,402 students), while Hispanic students accounted for 25.7% (6,528) and Black students represented 10.4% (2,642). American Indian students were among the least represented groups at 0.2%. More details are available from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at https://dpi.wi.gov/.
