lead paint

In 2009 the City of South Lake Tahoe was awarded its first lead hazard control grant for $1.5 million dollars that was federally funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Lead Safe Tahoe program was established so that the City could assist members of our community in reducing their exposure to hazards from lead-based paint. In 2011 the City was awarded a second lead hazard control grant in the amount of $2.0 million dollars.

The spring and summer weather is here and many of us are starting or planning to start those home improvement projects that just can’t be done in the cold and wet months. Maybe we have also heard about the dangers that can be present when working on surfaces that contain lead. As many of us now know, any home that was constructed prior to 1978 may have lead-based paint or lead containing finishes on any of the painted or varnished surfaces on the exterior and interior of the home and on outbuildings, fences and other surfaces as well.

October 20-26, 2013 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Lead is highly toxic and can harm your child’s brain, causing lifelong learning and behavior problems. Children under age six are most at risk for lead poisoning, but there are also significant health risks for adults, newborns and pregnant women too.

Lead dust in the home is caused by chipping, peeling, flaking or deteriorating lead-based paint. Lead dust is not the same as household dust. Lead dust is often invisible, heavier, and stickier. It can be present in even the cleanest of homes.