March 18 , 2008

Grants Available To Reduce Lead-Based Paint in Homes

Recent toy recalls have increased attention on lead poisoning, but environmental health experts note that it is the dust and chips from lead-based paint in older housing that poses a greater health hazard to individuals and families. The Portland Regional Lead Hazard Control Program at the Portland Development Commission (PDC) offers grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying households to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

Children and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead poisoning. The effects of lead poisoning can last a lifetime and may result in a loss of IQ, behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. Of particular concern, is that the primary source of lead poisoning for children is lead paint and dust in homes built prior to 1978.

“The dust that poisons young children is the dust that you can’t see. PDC’s program tests the home for lead hazards and then uses grant money to clean up those issues. PDC’s primary goal is to prevent childhood lead poisoning in the Portland metro area and now for the first time, the grant applications are available in Spanish,” said Sarah Gourde, PDC’s Lead Grant Program Coordinator.

Grants are available to homeowners with incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income, with a child under the age of six that either stays in the home at least 60 hours per year and/or homes with a pregnant woman residing there. The home must also have been built before 1978 and be located in Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, or Clark (WA) County.

Additional information and grant applications are available in Spanish by calling 503-823-3400 or online at www.pdc.us/plomo.

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