During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Kenosha County Public Health is reminding
the community of a federally funded resource that is available for qualified residents to help
mitigate lead paint-related hazards in older homes.
Kenosha County’s Live Lead Safe program serves residents of owner-occupied and rental homes
whose household income is below levels established by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development, which funds the program.
For those who do qualify, the program can pay up to 85 percent of construction costs associated
with lead abatement, including removal, encapsulation, and, in some cases, the replacement of
windows, doors and siding.
Housing units built before 1978 are eligible for the program.
Homes with children under age 6, pregnant women, or residential daycare facilities receive
priority for acceptance into the program.
“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 administers the program under a HUD grant for residents of
Kenosha and Racine counties.
More information about the program, including detailed guidelines and requirements and an
online screening questionnaire are available at https://liveleadsafe.org. For more information,
call 262-605-6700 or send an email to hud@kenoshacountywi.gov.
Lead poisoning prevention tips:
For those who live in homes built before 1978 who have not engaged in lead mitigation efforts,
Kenosha County Public Health suggests several steps people can take to minimize poisoning
risks. These include:
• Wipe down flat surfaces, like windowsills, with a damp paper towel and throw away the
paper towel
• Mop smooth floors (using a damp mop) weekly to control dust
• Take off shoes when entering the house
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove dust (if possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA
filter or a “higher efficiency” collection bag)
• Pick up loose paint chips carefully with a paper towel and discard them in the trash, then
wipe the surface clean with a wet paper towel
• Take precautions to avoid creating lead dust when remodeling, renovating or maintaining
your home
• Test for lead hazards by a lead professional
• Have your children’s blood level test at ages 1 and 2. Children 3 to 6 years of age should
also have their blood tested if they have not been tested before and:
o They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950
o They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 with ongoing or recent
renovations or remodeling
o They have a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead poisoning
More information about Kenosha County Public Health and all of the services it provides is
available at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/health.