EPA Lead Program Grant Fact Sheet
EPA's Targeted Lead Grants
EPA's Targeted Lead Grant Program funds projects in areas with high incidences of children with elevated blood-lead levels in vulnerable populations. In 2007 the Agency awarded more than $5.2 million in grants under this ambitious program. These targeted grants are intended to address immediate needs of the communities in which they are awarded, and will also highlight lead poison prevention strategies that can be used in similar communities across the country.
EPA's lead program is playing a major role in meeting the federal goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning as a major public health concern by 2010, and the projects supported by these grant funds are an important part of this ongoing effort. According to the Centers for Disease Control in 1978 there were 13.5 million children in the US with elevated blood lead levels. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000.
Syracuse, New York - Lead Dust Intervention Project
EPA has selected the Onondaga County Health Department in Syracuse, New York, for a Targeted Lead Grant.
The Department plans to use the grant money to conduct a lead dust intervention project in Syracuse in zip codes that rank high for the incidence of lead poisoning.
The project uses a novel approach to provide multifaceted lead dust intervention for residents in identified areas of high risk. Enrolled families will:
- Receive training on how to control lead dust by cleaning properly.
- Receive assistance with an initial cleaning of all horizontal surfaces and will be provided a lead dust reduction kit containing supplies to help them maintain low levels of lead dust.
- Have lead dust levels and children's blood lead levels measured before and after intervention to assess the effectiveness of the project.
The project fosters community involvement through contacts with Community Based Organizations (CBO) and local universities, through training and engagement of community members and ultimately through empowerment of residents by giving them the knowledge, tools and support to control lead dust in their home environment.
For more information about EPA's Lead Program, visit www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.