Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

If you live in a home built before 1978, there is a good chance that there is lead-based paint in the home. If your home was built before 1950, it is almost certain to have lead. You can prevent the trouble lead paint can cause.

Lead in paint can be a hazard if the paint has not been kept in good condition. Cracked, chipped, peeling or flaking paint are cause for concern, especially on porch surfaces, and areas around door and window frames. If painted surfaces are in poor condition, and your home was built before 1978 assume it contains lead and act accordingly. First use a spray bottle with water to wet down the paint in poor condition. Scrape off any attached but loose paint (remember to keep it wet). Next, wipe painted surfaces with a paper towel. Throw away paint chips and the paper towel. Repaint the trouble spots. When covered with new paint and maintained, lead-based paint is no longer a danger.

You can also keep lead dust hazards down by spraying water on the inside frames of painted windows and wiping them out periodically with a paper towel, especially during the summer. Opening and closing the windows creates lead dust, which falls inside the windows.

Wiping out the windows is essential if you use a fan or air conditioning unit in a window. The circulating air blows lead dust into the house.

For more information about lead source reduction and lead poisoning and testing, contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810)  257-3603 or 785-4815 .