Lead Hazard Information

Citizen's Guide to Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it is toxic to humans and animals, causing negative health effects. If your home was built before 1978, it is more likely to have lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-based paint.

Lead-based paint is still present in millions of homes, normally under layers of newer paint. If the paint is in good shape, the lead-based paint is usually not a problem. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as:

Windows and window sills;
Doors and door frames; and
Stairs, railings, banisters, and porches.

Lead is a Poison

There is no known “safe” level of exposure for humans. You should have your children tested for elevated blood lead levels at the ages of one and two or when there may have been an exposure. The Niagara County Department of Health is mandated by New York State to aid children with elevated blood lead levels, especially those under 6 years of age. These young children are the most vulnerable of our population to lead poisonings destructive and irreversible effects upon the human nervous system and bones. Lead may also be stored in the bones during prolonged exposure, at low levels, and released later in older adults with negative health effects.

Painted surfaces in disrepair and unsafe renovations can create lead hazards for your family.

Look for this logo when hiring a contractor

Find an EPA Certified contractor near you using this search function: EPA Renovator Search

DISCLAIMER
The list is an information resource only. EPA and the Niagara County Department of Health do not endorse any of the firms included on this list nor do we provide any warranty about their performance. Consumers are advised to request bids and conduct reference checks before engaging any firm/contractor.

LEADSAFE Niagara County – Lead Hazard Reduction Program
The Niagara County Department of Health is now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program. This program offers an opportunity to address lead hazards in eligible homes in Niagara County, specifically targeting the cities of Niagara Falls and Lockport. Lead hazard control activities through this grant program can include replacement windows, replacement doors, fresh paint, new siding, and aluminum trim.

Niagara County Lead Safe Housing Registry
Registry of rental housing units in Niagara County that have been cleared of lead-based paint hazards

Mason Donovan
(716) 278-8268
Mason.donovan@niagaracounty.com

Links to Other Sites

Contractor's Guide to Lead

The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule establishes requirements for firms and individuals performing renovations, and affects contractors, property managers and others who disturb painted surfaces. It applies to work in houses, apartments and child-occupied facilities (such as schools and child care centers) built before 1978. It includes pre-renovation education requirements as well as training, firm certification and work practice requirements.

As a contractor you must get certified and should display this logo

Links to Other Sites

Contact Information

Niagara County Department of Health
Trott Access Center - 1001 11th Street,
Niagara, Falls, NY 14301-1201

Phone:
(716) 278-8212 (Nursing)
(716) 278-8588 (Environmental)

Email: Walter.Trautwein@niagaracounty.com