Where does lead contamination come from?

Lead is naturally present in the environment.  It was also present in leaded gasoline and solder that may have been used on water pipes.  Some hobbies use lead.  Workers can be exposed to lead on the job.  Lead can be carried from place-to-place by wind, clothing, shoes, pets, etc.  Children and adults can be exposed to lead from any of these sources.   

Why is paint a problem?

Any paint manufactured before 1978 can contain dangerous levels of lead.  As old paint deteriorates, it chips, flakes, and generates dust that can contain lead.  These paint particles can get into your yard and house where children live, eat, and play.  You can’t see lead in paint.  The only way to tell if paint contains lead is to have it tested.

 Why are children at risk?

Both adults and children can suffer from lead poisoning.  However, children’s developing bodies are particularly susceptible.  Hand-to-mouth contact can result in lead poisoning if children eat leaded paint chips or put hands or toys coated with lead dust into their mouths.  Damage from lead poisoning can be permanent and interfere with normal child development.  

 What can I do today to be more lead safe?

• Wash children’s hands frequently, especially before eating.

• Wash floors and widow sills and troughs regularly.

• Provide healthy foods rich in iron and calcium (helps reduce lead absorption).

• Wipe feet or take off shoes at the door.

• Schedule your child for a blood lead test.

 Where are common places to find lead in homes?

Lead-based paint can be found on any surface.  Many times, it is found on exterior siding and trim.  It is also commonly found on windows, doors, and hardwood floors coated with a leaded finish.  These surfaces can be a special problem since the friction of opening windows and doors and foot traffic on floors can create leaded dust.   

Can home repairs and improvements create lead hazards?

The only way to tell if paint contains lead is to have it tested.  Any repair or improvement that disturbs coated surfaces can generate massive amounts of leaded dust and chips.  It’s best to first test these surfaces for lead before starting a project.  Repairs and improvements can be done without causing lead hazards if special precautions are used.

 Who can help?

Your doctor or local medical clinic can help your child get tested for blood lead poisoning.  The Lead Safe Spokane program can help assess and repair lead-based paint hazards.  Check our web links for informative lead hazard prevention sites. 

Attention Section 8 Landlords! 

HUD requires that tenants receiving Section 8 rent assistance occupy housing that meets minimum property standards including lead safe housing.  Defective paint surfaces such as damaged walls or chipped, cracked, or peeling paint can make your rental unit ineligible for HUD rent assistance. 

 Lead Safe Spokane can help! 

H    Identify Lead-Based Paint:  A Risk Assessment will tell you if paint contains lead and special hazard control measures are required.  Lead Safe Spokane can provide a FREE Risk Assessment, based on availability. 

H    Repair Your Own Repairs: We sponsor Safe Work Practices training that can qualify you to perform your own lead-safe repairs and renovations.

H    Make Substantial Improvements:  Trained contractors can provide substantial lead-hazard control work such as vinyl siding and replacement windows to correct lead hazards.   

Funding Section 8 rental units with lead-based paint hazards is a Lead Safe Spokane program priority.  Call Kiemle & Hagood at 755-7555 for more information.

 Does your child have elevated blood lead?

Helping families with an elevated blood lead level is our top priority!  We can offer immediate assistance to identify and repair sources of lead-based paint hazards for families with an elevated blood lead child.  Your doctor can provide health care services and Lead Safe Spokane can address your home’s lead-based paint hazards.

 Does your child receive Medicaid?

The Medicaid program can pay for blood lead testing for children.  Ask your doctor about testing your child for possible blood lead poisoning.  Lead Safe Spokane encourages you to have your child’s blood lead level tested to avoid lead’s potential cognitive and physical damage.   

Are you a contractor?

City of Spokane housing programs can offers the year-round opportunity to bid a substantial number of rehabilitation projects.  The Single-Family Rehabilitation, Roofs Only, Lead Safe Spokane, and Rental Improvement programs regularly fund residential construction work.  Lead Safe Spokane also offers valuable training on performing Safe Work Practices and lead-based paint abatement.  Contact Kiemle & Hagood at 755-7555 for more information.

Do you need other home repairs?

The City of Spokane funds multiple programs to help homeowners and rental property owners with needed repairs.  See our Single Family Housing Rehabilitation page for ways to have a warmer and safer home.