NEW! Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Program
Many children living in the Panhandle have blood levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health, estimates the Panhandle Public Health District based on data from a 2001-2005 state survey. Long-term exposure to even low levels of lead can cause irreversible learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and delayed neurological and physical development.
In partnership with U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) received a grant to expand contractor capacity in the area to safely renovate homes that have lead hazards present. Part of this includes the ability to perform testing and abatement to qualifying families within our district.
Our certified Lead Abatement Risk Assessors will use multiple methods to test for lead in and around the home. This includes the use of an XRF (x-ray fluorescent) gun that gives immediate results of there is lead paint present and does not damage the item that is being inspected. PPHD also has the ability to test soil, consumer products such as toys, and spices in the home for lead. Water testing for lead is offered only for identification of possible lead presence, additional tests can be suggested with the Nebraska Public Health Lab.
If lead is found in a home, PPHD will hire trained contractors that have been trained through this funding to perform necessary repairs and abatements. Homeowners, renters, and landlords are urged to apply for this program. The requirements are listed below. A form will be available soon that can be filled out to determine eligibility. Contact Melissa Haas, mhaas@pphd.ne.gov, for more information.
Homeowners
1. House must be built before 1978
2. Must have proof of ownership
3. A child under 6 must reside in the home over 75% of the time
4. Household income must be at or below 80% of the median area income by county
Landlords and Rental Tenants
- Tenants must have a child under 6 residing in the home over 75% of the time and be at or below 80% of the median area income by county.
- Landlords must have proof of ownership, intent to rent the unit to families in future leases, and be able to contribute a 10% match of all repairs performed in the unit.
- Landlord and tenants MUST both agree to participate in the program and meet the qualifications found in the intake form.
<future intake form>
What is Lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Lead is mined and then used in products to make them durable and last longer. Once lead is used in a product, it is nearly impossible to identify with the naked eye. Lead does not break down or disappear from the environment over time.
Historically, lead compounds were added to paints to enhance color, reduce corrosion, or shorten drying time. Lead-based paint, if present in older homes built before 1978, may be a major source of exposure to lead to those who live there. When painted surfaces are not properly maintained, paint can deteriorate, peel, chip, chalk, or crack. When lead-based paint is old and worn or is subject to constant rubbing (as on doors and windowsills), lead-based paint chips and dust can scatter and become a hazard. These hazards can be breathed in or swallowed by children, residents, and workers. Lead dust can also be scattered when paint is disturbed during renovation, repair, or remodeling.
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is toxic to humans and animals. There is no known safe level of exposure to lead. When taken in by swallowing or breathing, it can cause lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause a variety of permanent health issues.
In children it can cause:
- Behavioral and learning problems
- Lower IQ and hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Anemia
In adults it can lead to:
- Nerve disorders
- Increased blood pressure
- Decreased kidney function
- Reproductive problems
- Memory and concentration problems
Where Lead Can Be Found
Lead Paint and Lead Dust
- When lead paint peels and cracks, it makes lead paint chips and dust.
- Children can be exposed when they swallow or breathe in lead dust.
- Repairs and renovations in older homes can create lead dust.
Soil
- Soil around the home can be contaminated with lead from industrial pollution or from chipping paint on the outside of the home.
- Children can be exposed to lead while playing in the soil.
- Soil can be carried into the home on shoes, clothing, or pets.
Jobs and Hobbies
- Jobs can include working in foundries, construction and demolition, welding, plumbing, bullet making, firing ranges, and metal recycling.
- Hobbies can include making stained glass windows, jewelry, auto repair, and scarp metal.
Imported Foods and Medicines
- Some imported foods and spices from other countries contain lead.
- Some traditional medicines and herbal remedies can contain lead such as some Ayurvedic remedies, Daw Tway, Pay-loo-ah, Ba-baw-san.
- Cosmetics and powders such as Kohl, Surma, Sindoor, Kumkuma.
Cookware, Toys, and Jewelry
- Some antique dishware and imported cookware can contain lead, such as glazed ceramics and bean pots.
- Lead has been found in older painted toys, inexpensive children’s jewelry, and keys.
Water
- Some water pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures may contain lead that can get into drinking water.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Keep it Clean
- Wash children’s hands with soap and water often.
- Wet-mop floors and use wet paper towels to wipe down windowsills or other surfaces regularly.
- Wash toys, pacifiers, and bottles with soap and water often.
- Clean carpets with a vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible.
Renovate Safely
- Renovation and remodeling on older homes creates lead dust hazards, make sure workers are trained in and use lead-safe work practices.
- Children and pregnant women should stay away from repairs that disturb old paint until area is cleaned.
Don’t Bring Lead Home from Job or Hobby
- If parents work with lead, change work clothes and wash face, hands, and uncovered skin before going home.
- Take work shoes off at the door.
- Wash work clothes separately from other family members’ clothes.
Serve Healthy Foods
- Give your children healthy meals and snacks.
- A balanced diet with foods that provide calcium, iron, and vitamin C may help keep lead out of the body.
Plumbing
- If you believe you have lead pipes, run cold water through your tap for 30 seconds before using it.
- Never use hot water to cook with, run the tap and then use cold water for cooking.
Lead FAQs
Should my child be tested for lead?
Your child should be evaluated by their healthcare provider at 12 and 24 months old to determine if they need to be tested. If you believe your child has been exposed to lead, talk with your healthcare provider about testing now. Nebraska Blood Lead Testing Guidelines were updated in December of 2023.
Should I be tested for lead?
If you believe you have been exposed to lead, you can have your blood tested at the doctor's office. Individuals who work with lead or have hobbies that may expose them to lead should get tested regularly.
How do I know if my water is safe to drink?
The national action level (AL) for lead is 15 ppb or 0.015 mg/L. If your home is connected to public water, contact your water company and ask for a Consumer Confidence Report or check Nebraska's Drinking Water Watch. Public water is regularly tested for contaminates that may affect human health. If public water exceeds an action level (AL), the water company is required to directly notify the consumers. Yet contamination may occur once water has entered the home. Sources of lead in drinking water can be caused by lead service lines, lead goosenecks, solder, and faucets.
If you own a home with a private well, you will need to contact a certified laboratory to test your water.
- Nebraska DHHS Public Health Environmental Lab, (402)-471-2122, Price List
What do I do if my water exceeds 15 ppb or 0.015 mg/L of lead?
- Run your tap for 30 seconds with cold water to flush out lead.
- Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Lead dissolves more easily into hot water.
- Do not boil your water. Boiling water does NOT reduce lead.
- Use an alternative source of water or filter your water.
- Get tested. Talk to your doctor about getting your blood tested.
Steps to Reduce Your Exposure to Lead in Water Handout.
What water filter should I buy to remove lead from water?
Look for filters that claim lead reduction and are certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 42. The EPA's Consumer Tool for Drinking Water Filters shows detailed examples of what to look for when purchasing water filters.
Can I shower in lead-contaminated water?
Yes. Human skin does not absorb lead from water. Yet organic lead (tetraethyl lead) is more likely to be absorbed through the skin. Dermal (skin) exposure is more of a concern among individuals who work with lead.
How do I know if a product has been recalled for lead?
Sign up for recall notifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. For food product recalls, sign up for notifications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What food should I give my child to help keep lead out?
Try to eat foods that contain calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Sources:
Information adapted from: Lead Awareness in Indian Country: Keeping Our Children Healthy! EPA February 2023
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
