City gets major grant for lead reduction | News

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Charlotte city officials are taking new steps to get the lead out of local homes that may be posing a safety risk.

The federal government awarded Charlotte a grant of more than two million dollars to replace lead based paint and fixtures that may be posing a health risk.

The goal is to target 230 homes, and provide community education.

Several years ago, Jessie Martins home in Grier Heights was on the list for repairs.

"They found lead in the window sills, That's all they had to do in my house", she said.

A federal grant paid for new windows.

Diane Adams works with the Charlotte's Lead Hazard Reduction Program.

The newest grant from the feds will pay for an updated public relations blitz, and offer health care to those at risk.

"We have run across several that have been infected by lead based paint and we work with the health department on referrals for those children", Adams said. "We will be performing blood test on children occupying those units to make sure they are not currently poisoned."

Dr. Daniel Neuspiel is the medical director at the Myers Park Pediatric Clinic, and understands the ill effects of consuming peeling lead based paint.

"It can damage the brain. That's the big risk.Relatively low levels can cause damage in children's I.Q. Scores."

According to Adams, keeping children out of harm's way is one goal of the grant.

"We look at ourselves as a lead poisoning prevention program. We're trying to get into those homes before those children get poisoned."

We're including a link if you want more information regarding the program.

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/housing/Pages/LeadBasedPaint.aspx

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