Lead Safe Westmoreland
The Lead Paint Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program of Westmoreland County
The goal of Westmoreland County is to protect the health of children and their families from dangerous effects of lead-based paint and other health and safety hazards likely to be present in homes built prior to 1978.
Whether you are a homeowner, rental property owner or tenant, it is important that your home is lead-safe. Participation in the LeadHazard Control and Healthy Homes Program can make your home lead-safe and family-friendly.
About the Program
Many homes constructed prior to 1978 contain lead-based paint. When the paint is disturbed through remodeling, daily wear and tear on doors, windows, and other painted surfaces, or age deterioration, it creates hazardous dust.
Eligible applicants will receive financial assistance to address lead hazards found in the home through a FREE Risk Assessment and Lead-Based Paint Inspection
Lead-based work could include:
Window Replacements / DoorReplacements / Paint Stabilization/ Minimal structural repair /Identify and address other health and safety hazards in your home
Qualifications
- Residence located within Westmoreland County
- Home built prior to 1978
- Children under the age of 6 or a pregnant woman present in the household
- Property taxes and homeowners insurance must be current
- Maximum income per household size must fall below limits
Income Guidelines
To be eligible for the program, households must meet the income guidelines* listed below.
*HUD income level limits are as of 2022 and are subject to change
| Household Size | Income Limit Per Year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $53,100 |
| 2 | $60,700 |
| 3 | $68,300 |
| 4 | $75,850 |
| 5 | $81, 950 |
| 6 | $88,000 |
| 7 | $94,100 |
| 8 | $100,150 |
LEAD POISONING PREVENTION FAQ
What is lead poisoning?
It’s a condition caused by swallowing or inhaling lead. Even small amounts of lead can be harmful especially to small children.
Why is it important to know about lead poisoning?
It is very common. Older homes and buildings often still have lead based paint. Lead can harm any child regardless of where that child lives – rural, suburban or city.
How does lead affect children?
At lower blood levels lead may damage the nervous system, interfere with growth, harming, lower I.Q. scores, cause behavior problems and make learning difficult. At high blood levels it is toxic possibly leading to coma, convulsions and or death.
What are some symptoms of lead poisoning?
Often the signs are not easily seen. There may be stomachache, headache, fatigue or irritability.
What are some sources of lead in a child’s environment?
- Painted surfaces, paint dust, chipping and peeling paint. Homes built before 1979 are more apt to have lead paint inside or outside. Lead was taken out of most paint by 1978. Old toys and furniture may also have lead paint.
- Soil – Areas outside where chips and dust from paint has fallen, and lead-based insecticides.
- Water – In some places old plumbing may have lead pipes or lead solder. Check your plumbing. Water coming from the Lancaster water system is free of lead.
- Other sources of lead – poorly glazed pottery, fishing weights, antique pewter and some hobby items such as stained glass, furniture refinishing.
Is there lead-based paint in my home?
Most all homes constructed prior to 1978 contain some levels of lead-paint. When remodeling, or repainting, dangerous levels of lead-paint dust can be released in the air settling on the ground and through open windows or screens. Special precautions must be taken by any person engaged in any type of building or home. This is especially important if children are present or in the area. Children are very sensitive to lead and exposure could cause serious mental and physical problems.
If you are working on a pre-1978 property, please read the following:
Make sure lead safety is a part of your renovation. EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA, use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices. In order to become certified renovators, individuals must take training from an EPA-accredited training provider. For firms to be certified, they must submit an application and fee to EPA online. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/lead or call the Lead Hotline: 1 (800) 424-LEAD [5323].
How do I find out if my child has been exposed to lead?
Get your child screened – the younger the better! Call your doctor to have your child tested.
What is the test like?
It is a quick blood test.
If the test is positive, what can I do??
With the guidance of your health care professional, the Health Unit can assist you in getting your child free from lead. Steps you can take include:
- Regular medical attention
- Dietary changes for proper nutrition
- Safe removal of lead hazards in your home?
- Proper cleaning techniques in the home
What services does the County offer?
Westmoreland County offers a “The Lead Paint Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program” (LHCHH) to identify lead hazards in a property where there is a child under the age of six years residing or visiting the property for at least six hours a week. If you have any questions, please contact The Lead Paint Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program of Westmoreland County at:
40 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
5th Floor, Suite 520
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 830-3366 or (724) 830-3600
E-mail: [email protected]
Printable (pdf) Lead Safe Application Owner Occupied
Printable (pdf) Lead Safe Application Rental
-OR-
Submit Lead Safe Application Online
Income Checklist
Occupant of property must provide income documentation for all persons living in the household over the age of 18. The following is a checklist of income that applies. If you have questions, please call Londe Dandar at 724.830.3366
- IRS tax forms from most recent year available - Form 1040
- Copies of 3 most current payroll stubs
- Income from Railroad
- Aid from Dept of Human Services (Cash Assistance only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Copies of Social Security earnings statements
- Other annuity or retirement income statements
- Investment income, rental properties or stock and bonds that pay dividents
- Unemployment Statement
- Disability Compensation
- Worker's Compensation
- Child support
- Alimony
- Severance Pay
- Pension
*Additional documentation may be requested.
Copies of the following documents must be provided with completed application to be considered for the program:
- Child's birth certificate(s)
- Driver's License Identification Card
- Utility bills for current month (Water/Electric/Gas)
- (2) Consecutive Bank Statements
- Copy of Deeds to Property
- Home Owner Insurance Declaration Page
- Copy of Lease Agreement
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 24 million homes in the United States have peeling or chipping lead-based paint or high levels of lead dust. The older your home, the greater the chances of having a lead-based paint hazard.
What Are the Risks?
Small children are most at risk from the dangers of lead-based paint. Lead dust can cause problems, especially for young children under the age of 6 years and babies. Lead dust is invisible and can't be seen with the naked eye and is most commonly found on window sills and floor surfaces.
Exposure to lead can have serious health effects to children such as:
- Behavioral problems
- Damage to the body's vital organs
- Learning deficiencies
- Difficulty with speech and language
- Cognitive impairment
Westmoreland County Completed Lead Safe Units
Coming Soon....
Lead Information Line - Pennsylvania Department of Health 1-800-440-LEAD. For specific information about lead poisoning and related environmental health issues, call 1-800-440-LEAD. An information and referral specialist can answer your questions and provide needed guidance.
CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency