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Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
October 5, 2009
(202) 225-3761

Upton Hails $2 Million to Protect Benton Harbor Families from Lead Paint Hazards
120 local homes will be part of clean up effort to remove dangers associated with lead-based paint

Washington, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $2 million Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control grant to the Berrien County Health Department. The grant will help remove hazards associated with lead-based paint in 120 homes, most of which are located in Benton Harbor. The grant was one of four awarded to Michigan to reduce hazards associated with lead paint. The City of Detroit was awarded $4 million, the Michigan Department of Public Health was awarded $3.07 million and the Genesee County Health Department was awarded $2.07 million from HUD.

“Many homes and apartments in our community built before 1978 have paint that contains high levels of lead that can be deadly for our kids,” said Upton. “The tragic reality is that while lead poisoning is preventable, it is all too prevalent in our community, often resulting in lifelong health problems and learning disabilities for local youth. One cannot be too cautious when dealing with the dangers associated with lead paint. With this $2 million, 120 families will soon be able to live their daily lives free from the constant specter of lead poisoning.”

Referrals for eligible homes will come directly from the Berrien County Health Department and partner agencies, including: City of Benton Harbor Inspections Department; City of Benton Harbor Community Development Department; Berrien County Community Development Department; Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency and Tri-County Head Start.

In 1991, Congress established HUD’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) to eliminate lead-based paint hazards in America's privately-owned and low-income housing. The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control (LHC) and the Lead Hazard Reduction (LHRD) grant programs is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. The OHHLHC provides funds to state and local governments to develop cost-effective ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards. In addition, the office enforces HUD’s lead-based paint regulations, provides public outreach and technical assistance, and conducts technical studies to help protect children and their families from health and safety hazards in the home.

Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, nerves and blood. Lead may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and in extreme cases, death. Some symptoms of lead poisoning may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness and irritability, and in some cases children who have lead poisoning may not exhibit symptoms. Both inside and outside the home, deteriorated lead-paint mixes with household dust and soil and is tracked in.

Children may become lead poisoned by putting their hands or other lead-contaminated objects into their mouths, eating paint chips found in homes with peeling or flaking lead-based paint, or playing in lead-contaminated soil. Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends that if your home was built before 1978:

• Wipe down flat surfaces, like window sills, 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 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 the soil tested too).

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