Utah Housing Coalition – Lead Safe Housing Program

Lead poisoning in children has few visible symptoms but can have deadly side effects. The Lead Safe Housing Program provides free grant money for families below the median income in Salt Lake County whose homes may contain lead. Susan Fox is the outreach coordinator for the program and says childhood lead poisoning is a major issue that is relatively easy to fix.

"We make homes lead-safe by focusing on problem areas with chipping and peeling paint," she says.

The program is available for residents, both home owners and landlords, whose property is in Salt Lake County. In order to qualify for the program, the home must be built before 1978, have children under 6 years old who either live in the home or visit frequently and meet an income requirement.

Lead poisoning happens when children inhale dust particles from paint that is breaking down. Lead paint that is in good condition and not peeling or chipping is considered safe, Susan says. Lead dust can also have an effect on pregnant women and unborn babies.

To determine if a child has lead poisoning, a blood test is done using a simple prick of their finger. The most shocking part of lead poisoning is how little it takes to poison a child, Susan says.

"Imagine an average sugar packet. Divide that into a million parts and then take just 10 of those million parts and dissolve it in a half a cup of water. That small amount could cause lead poisoning in a child," she says.

A lead-poisoned child may have behavior problems, learning disabilities, decreased growth and impaired hearing. In addition to remediating the source of lead in the child's environment, a healthy diet high in vitamin C, calcium and iron can reduce the amount of lead absorption.

The Lead Safe Housing Program has been going for more than eight years and treats about 100 homes per year. The program is offered in Salt Lake County. Rental units can qualify for the program and Susan encourages landlords to contact her to find out the qualifications. Renters must work through their landlords if they suspect lead might be an issue in their home. She says Salt Lake County officials want to spread the word about how dangerous lead poisoning is, and that residents can take advantage of this free program to protect their family.

"Everyone deserves a safe place to live," Susan says. "Growing up lead free is the way to be."

For more information about the Lead Safe Housing Program, contact Susan at 801-468-2077 or at SPFox@slco.org.