Funding Available to Homeowners and Landlords for Lead Paint Abatement
Despite the ban on lead-based paint over four decades ago, the stark reality is that around 75% of Minnesota homes constructed before 1978 are likely to contain remnants of this hazardous substance. This is a serious concern, especially for families with young children. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of lead poisoning, which can hinder their normal development and potentially result in lifelong neurological damage.
In response to this pressing issue, Hennepin County is stepping up to offer a lifeline to affected families. Through a specially designed grant program, homeowners and landlords within the low to moderate-income bracket can receive complimentary testing to assess the risk of lead-based paint in their homes. If the tests confirm the presence of lead-based paint, eligible households can avail of a service to have it removed free of charge.
Michael Jensen, a regional surveyor with the Minnesota Health Department, explains the process: “We conduct lead testing to identify the potential hazards, and then devise a detailed plan of action to make the home safe from lead exposure. The proposed work is then sent out to bid to contractors, and we organize financing, which can go up to $15,000 and doesn’t need to be repaid.”
The remediation work primarily focuses on windows as they are common sites for lead-based paint. The action of opening and closing windows can disturb the old paint, causing it to chip, flake off, or turn into dust that settles on windowsills and nearby floors. Simply painting over deteriorating lead-based paint doesn’t solve the problem; it must be removed.
“Lead dust can easily get onto children’s hands, which often end up in their mouths. This is the most common route of lead exposure. Therefore, we pay special attention to original windows in houses,” Jensen added. “Homes constructed prior to 1960 are almost certainly going to have lead-based paint unless they’ve undergone a major renovation.”
Approximately 200 children in Hennepin County are found to have dangerously high blood lead levels each year. In light of this, the grant is prioritizing families with children under the age of six or households that frequently host visitors under the age of six.
Beneficiaries of the grant will receive Energy Star-rated windows as replacements. In cases where the cost of full remediation exceeds $15,000, Hennepin County will provide eligible homeowners and landlords with deferred and low-interest loans to help cover the additional expense.
For more information and to check eligibility for the lead-based paint testing and removal grant, visit hennepin.us/leadcontrol. The county also offers free interpreter services to aid in understanding and accessibility.
