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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.

Waterloo, Iowa - Blood Lead Screenings and Lead Hazard Inspections

EPA has selected the City of Waterloo Community Development Department in Waterloo, Iowa, for a Targeted Lead Grant.

The $100,000 grant will support the work of the City of Waterloo and Black Hawk County Health Department to provide:

The project is part of a larger $825,000 door-to-door screening strategy targeting low-income, Hispanic neighborhoods in the City of Waterloo. The target area includes part of the 50703 zip code which was chosen for the high concentration of low income households, the age and deterioration of the houses, and the number of children reported with elevated blood lead levels.

By leveraging Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) funds for lead hazard remediation activities, more lead-safe housing will be available in areas where it is most needed.

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.

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