SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—County Executive Ilene Shapiro is pleased to announce Summit County is one of 53 grantees selected to receive funding to protect families from the dangers of toxic lead. The county’s $2.1 million award comes from the state’s new Lead Safe Ohio program, which is allocating a total of $84 million in federal funding to support lead mitigation and prevention projects in 72 counties.
In Summit County, County Executive Shapiro’s Department of Community Development makes homes lead safe throughout the county. The state’s funding will support construction-related lead mitigation activities such as window and door replacement, siding enclosure, soffit enclosure, porch component repair, lead cleaning efforts, and more.
“We are working hard to reduce the risk of lead exposure in our youngest residents, and to remove the financial barriers that impede the ability of homeowners to make safety improvements,” said County Executive Shapiro. “Families should not have to wonder if the home their children play in, sleep in and grow in is a hazard to long-term development and health.”
Lead poisoning is often caused by lead-based paint, which produces chips and dust when deteriorating. While lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, children are at the greatest risk. Children’s bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance. Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and ability to learn and earn an income.
Summit County residents can apply for the program at https://co.summitoh.net/pages/Housing-Rehabilitation-Program.html. This pool of funding is available to residents who are homeowners and meet other eligibility requirements including income.
Residents who rent and are in need to lead abatement should visit https://co.summitoh.net/pages/Lead-Abatement-Program.html for more information.
