LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The City of Lima and the West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) are getting the word out about removing dangerous lead from people's homes.
Around half of all homes in Allen County were built before 1978, and lead can cause serious health problems.
They hosted a panel discussion called "Let's Talk Lead" to help inform the public about the different programs that are out there to help remove lead paint that can be found in homes built before 1978. Lima tests its water regularly, and there have not been any dangers of lead in the water. Officials say that's because the pipes have been lined with protective material, but there is funding available to replace lead service lines that connect homes to the public water.
There are also programs that can train contractors to remove it from homes. Around half of all homes in Allen County were built before 1978, and lead can cause serious health problems, especially in kids six years old and younger.
You can visit Lima and WOCAP's websites to find out more information about their lead abatement programs.
"With children, the best thing to do if you are concerned about lead exposure is to get them tested for lead. Children who receive Medicaid are required to do that test at 12 months and 24 months old. But it is highly recommended for all children to get tested, those same ages to ensure they didn't have any exposure to lead. And if they did, they could work with their pediatrician to limit the impacts of that lead in their bodies," says Brandon Fischer, health commissioner of Allen County Public Health.
You can visit Lima and WOCAP's websites to find out more information about their lead abatement programs.
- City of Lima's Lead Service Line Replacement Program
- West Ohio Community Action Partnership's Lead Safe Program
If you would like to watch the panel discussion, you can go to https://www.facebook.com/CityofLimaOH/videos/1811553276339650.
