All homes built before 1978 are at risk of having lead-based paint. Existing stockpiles of lead-based paint were allowed to be used after 1978, so many houses built into the mid-1980s are also at risk of having lead-based paint.
Exposure to lead can lead to cognitive impairment and birth defects, as well as health problems affecting the nervous system, kidneys, reproductive organs, liver, and other body systems. Exposure to lead can lead to cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), (Group 2A). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and California's Proposition list lead as carcinogenic and cancer-causing.
We Offer Four Types of Lead Testing
Risk Assessment: We will visually inspect for lead paint hazards, conduct laboratory tests, and provide guidance and recommendations to mitigate these hazards. For rental units built before 1978, this is required every two years for all Section 8 properties, all rental units in Cleveland and Youngstown, and many other communities. Risk assessments are available and recommended for owner-occupied properties. Grants and tax credits are available to owners who reside in the property and to landlords.
Lead Hazard Screen: This requires less laboratory testing than a risk assessment, but follows much stricter EPA Guidelines. This is only recommended for properties that are believed to be in good condition with little or no risk of lead hazards present.
Lead Clearance Exam: This involves a visual inspection and laboratory testing conducted after hazards from a risk assessment or hazard screen have been corrected. This is required for all Section 8 rental units, as well as for all rental units in Cleveland and Youngstown, or any assessments subsidized by grants or tax credits; the lead clearance exam is typically covered under grants or tax credits. This service is available at a discounted rate for repeat customers.
Lead Partial Inspection: This is a less formal type of testing that involves inspecting areas of concern to the owner. The most common reason this testing is performed is that consumer-grade testing methods, which are incredibly inaccurate, came back positive. We have also conducted partial inspections on vintage furniture, rugs, windows, and doors, as well as collecting evidence for potential lawsuits.
Funding
Tax Credits
- Lead Abatement Tax Credit Program – up to $10,000 tax credit.
- The vast majority of houses in the state qualify.
- A lead clearance exam is required. The lead clearance does not require a risk assessment.
- The lead clearance exam must be passed.
- Relocation fees during abatement are covered.
Grants
- Mahoning County – $10,000 grant
- Occupant must earn less than 80% of the median local income
- Landlords can qualify based on the income level of tenants
- Must apply to determine eligibility
- Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition – $750 grant
- Rental property owners can qualify for up to 12 incentive awards per zip code, with a maximum of 50 across all Cleveland zip codes.