Lead Safe Orange is a federally-funded program of the Orange County Office of Community Development that eliminates lead-based paint hazards without cost to qualified individuals.  Both homeowners and landlords are eligible if: (1) a child under six lives in the home or apartment and (2) the child’s family earns less than 80% of the area median income (currently $59,000 for a family of four).  Up to $20,000 is available per building with the exception of single family homes, which are eligible for up to $10,000.

Seven out of ten residences in Orange County were built before 1978 when the federal government made it illegal for paint manufacturers to add lead to their product.  Even a small amount of lead from old paint particles mixed with household dust will cause above normal lead levels in the blood.  Children under 6 who are exposed to lead have the most to lose from lead poisoning because lead can interfere with the normal development of the brain.

Lead Safe Orange will examine a residence for lead hazards and will pay a contractor trained in lead safe work practices to eliminate any that exist.  Measures contractors may take include replacing windows with modern, energy efficient ones; covering exterior paint with vinyl siding; and removing lead-based paint from friction surfaces on doors.   Before work begins, children under 6 should have their blood lead levels tested.  If this test reveals a problem, the test should be repeated later to see if a safe blood lead level has been restored.

Residents of Orange County may call (845) 291-4094, if they are interested in taking advantage of the Lead Safe Orange Program.

(YW News Desk)