Lead Hazard Control Program
Safe housing is a critical component of healthy living, and every child deserves to grow up in a home free from harmful lead-based paint hazards.
Lead Hazard Control Program (LHCP)
The Tulsa Health Department (THD) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reduce lead-based paint hazards in qualifying homes with children under the age of 6 that live in Tulsa County. The inspection identifies lead-based paint, dust and soil hazards in residential properties. The overall goal of the Lead Hazard Control Program is to reduce lead hazards inside the home for the residents of Tulsa County, especially those households with children under the age of 6. THD has identified three zip codes most at risk: 74106, 74110 and 74127, but can work to help any family in Tulsa County that meets the grant requirements.
THD can conduct a no cost to you lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment for any home in Tulsa County that has a child with an elevated blood lead level. Additional lead paint hazard removal work is based on eligibility for the grant.
No cost to you lead hazard removal
THD can potentially remove lead hazards from your home at no cost to you. For rental properties, income qualifications are based on renter income. For owner-occupied homes, eligibility is based on occupants. Once an application is submitted, and it is determined that the renters meet program requirements, the Project Manager will contact you to schedule an appointment for a free lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment. After your property is inspected and tested for lead, you will receive a report identifying the presence of lead hazards (if any).
The Project Manager will discuss a workplan proposal for lead removal at no cost to the owner. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and decide whether you want to proceed with the lead hazard removal work. Typical treatments may include repainting interior or exterior walls, covering the outside of home with siding, or window replacement.
THD is seeking contractors that are licensed through ODEQ for lead hazard removal, for more information contact us for a contractor application.
Eligibility
Some of the eligibility requirements include:
- Rental or owner-occupied home built before 1978 and located in Tulsa County
- Children under the age of 6 living or visiting often
- Income at or below 50% or 80% of area’s median income level (see application for information)
Lead Safety Education
The LHCP educates the public on lead-based paint hazards though community outreach. Staff are available for public presentations to any interested group or organization. THD can help identify the cause of elevated blood lead levels found though routine doctor visits.
Homes built prior to 1978 may have lead paint which can deteriorate and create leaded dust that can poison a child. Most children are poisoned in their own homes. The only way to protect children from lead poisoning is to remove lead hazards from their environment. Improper repair or renovation can make the problem worse.
Even the smallest amounts of lead can interfere with a child’s brain development resulting in a permanent reduction in intelligence and may cause behavioral and learning problems, as well as other health problems. There are few obvious signs a child has been lead-poisoned; the only way to know for sure is to have your child tested by his or her physician. Oklahoma State Department of Health offers blood lead testing.
The lead hazards that children most often touch are lead dust, leaded soil, loose chips and chewable surfaces containing lead-based paint. A child may also put toys, pacifiers, or hands into their mouth which may have come in contact with lead dust or soil. Lead can be found in:
- Moving parts of windows and doors that can create lead dust
- Painted surfaces of windows, doors, wood trim, walls, cabinets, porches, stairs, railing, fire escapes, and lamp posts
- Soil near building exteriors that have been painted with lead-based paint and near busy streets where leaded gasoline dust may have settled
- Drinking water
- The clothing, hair, or skin of those who work around lead and may bring the dust into the home
- Glazed pottery and cookware from other countries
Ways you can immediately protect your child from lead exposure include:
- Keeping them from paint chips and dust
- Using a wet cloth or mop to clean floors and surfaces, particularly where floors and walls meet
- Thoroughly cleaning window sills
- Use only vacuum cleaners with an internal HEPA-rated filter
- Make sure your children wash their hands regularly and always before eating
- Wash toys, teething rings, and pacifiers frequently
There are few obvious signs a child has been lead-poisoned; the only way to know for sure is to have your child tested by his or her physician.