Lead Safety
In 2008, Rebuilding Together was awarded a grant through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. The grant will fund a two-year pilot program called the “Lead Safety Outreach and Training Partnership” that seeks to accomplish the following goals:
• Increase the number of low-income homeowners enrolled in lead hazard treatment programs.
• Increase the number of residents, homeowners, community leaders, maintenance and rehabilitation workers, and others aware of and able to identify lead-based paint hazards and understand proper control methods
• Develop effective partnerships between public and private entities, including grassroots community-based and faith-based organizations, dedicated to reducing lead hazards.
The purpose of this page is to provide a portal for easy access to many different lead education resources. Click on any of the links under each topic to learn more:
Why is Lead Dangerous?
Childhood lead poisoning is a major health problem in the United States. Eighty percent of US homes built prior to 1978 contain lead-based paint, the most common cause of lead poisoning in children. Lead poisoned children can suffer brain damage, hearing problems, slowed growth and have behavioral or learning problems. Lead poisoning can even lead to death in some cases. Because lead poisoning frequently has no obvious symptoms, it can go unrecognized for years, resulting in permanent damage. Adults and pets can also be affected. Click on the links below to learn more about the health impacts of lead on your family.
Basic information on lead from the US Environmental Protection Agency- Lead Information Page from the Centers for Disease Control
- Lead and Healthy Homes information from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
- Download HUD’s Lead Brochure
- Download Help Yourself to a Healthy Home, a Parent’s Guide to Protecting Children’s Health
- Download HUD’s Healthy Homes Program Brochure
- Learn about product recalls from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) or call (800) 638-2772
How to Determine if Your Home Contains Lead & Where to Get Help
- An article from Parent’s magazine to help you determine if your home may be contaminated
- Lead Contamination Resource Guide
- If you think your home may contain lead hazards, contact your local Health Department for assistance
Lead Safe Work Practices & Information for Construction Professionals
- Information on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule
- Lead in the workplace from the US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- Watch an instructional video on lead safe work practices
- National Lead Information Center provides the general public and professionals with information about lead hazards and their prevention
Protecting Children & Pregnant Women from Lead
- Lead Poisoning Resource Center
- Alliance for Healthy Homes
- Parenting & Child Health
- CDC’s Childhood Lead Prevention Program
- The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
Fighting Lead with Nutrition
- EPA brochure
- University of California Cooperative Extension
- Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
Lead in Toys and other Consumer Products
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
- National Center For Healthy Housing Info Sheet on Lead Testing
- Toxic Treats Index & Locating Lead Dangers
- CDC’s Sources of Lead Page
Recommended list of lead safe work practices tools & equipment
