There is good news for qualifying homeowners and families in Chester County -- you no longer have to live with the threat of lead paint. The Chester County Health Department is implementing the Lead Hazard Control Program to identify lead hazards and cover most of the cost of remediation. The program is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Qualifying properties must have been built before 1978. Additionally, families must have(or expect to have in the near future) a child under the age of 6 present in the home for more than 6 hours per week and conform to the income guidelines provided below:
|
HUD Income Guidelines |
|
|
Family Size |
Annual Income (80% of Area Median Income) |
|
1 |
$44,150 |
|
2 |
$50,450 |
|
3 |
$56,750 |
|
4 |
$63,050 |
|
5 |
$68,100 |
|
6 |
$73,150 |
|
7 |
$78,200 |
|
8 |
$83,250 |
Once your application is completed and accepted, an Environmental Health Specialist will conduct a lead risk assessment at the property. After the project is approved by the PA Department of Health, remediation will begin. The property owner will be required to pay no more than 10% of labor and materials. Since the program covers projects with a maximum of $9,520, the absolute most a property owner will be asked to pay is $950. If you rent your home, this cost will the responsibility of your landlord. However, your landlord must be involved in order to participate in this program.
Lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, especially to children under the age of 6. If you suspect lead paint has been used in your Chester County home, go to ChesCo.org for more information about the Lead Hazard Control Program.