Free Lead Hazard Reduction

The Evanston Health & Human Services Department is partnering with the Cook County Department of Public Health to provide lead hazard removal at NO COST to the resident or owner. This opportunity is made possible by a four year grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Please fill out this survey (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic) in order for Evanston Health and Human Services staff to determine eligibility.

Who qualifies for the program?

• Live in a residence built before 1978
• Live with a child under 6 years old
• Babysit or have a child under 6 years old who visit them often
• Have an income below the program limit
  • 80% Area Median Income based on family size

   

Can renters apply?

Yes, a renter can apply. However, we will need approval and some documentation from the owner of the building

How do I get started?

Please fill out this survey (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic)in order for Evanston Health and Human Services staff to determine eligibility. 

The following documents may be needed to successfully complete the survey:

• Income Information - For anyone living in the home who is 18 and older
  • Last tax return including schedules, attachments, W-2's, etc.
  • Last two check stubs

  NOTE: If you don't have a tax return or check stubs, provide a letter from your employer stating your income.

• Most recent documents showing any other income source (example: rental income, IRS 1099)
• If receiving social security or other benefits, submit the most recent benefits statement
• A signed and notarized No Income verification form (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic) is required ONLY for individuals not working and aged 18 or older
• A Significant Time form (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic) is required ONLY if a child visits but does not live with you
• Property Deed
• Current real estate tax bill

What kind of work is done to make the lead hazards safe?

The specific work needed varies depending on the home. Examples of common projects include replacing windows and repainting interior and/or exterior surfaces.

Who completes the work?

Lead mitigation work must be conducted in a safe manner in order to contain the hazards. A licensed lead abatement contractor will perform all the work and will work with you to schedule the best time. 

Where can I get more information?

More information can be found by visiting the Cook County Department of Public Health

What is lead poisoning?

Lead does not discriminate. It affects everyone including adults. However children are much more sensitive to lead. There is no safe level of lead in the body.

In children, lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, decreased intelligence, attention deficit disorder, slowed growth, and poor muscle growth. 

Children absorb 4 to 5 times more lead than adults from a given source.

Where does lead come from?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used for multiple purposes throughout history.

Lead was once added to gasoline and paint but has since been banned. However, buildings built prior to 1978 likely contain lead-based paint. 

How are children exposed to lead?

The number one route of exposure is dust from lead-based paint. Children engage in more hand-to-mouth activities, meaning they put pretty much anything in their mouth including their hands. If children are crawling around a home that contains duct from lead-based paint, the dust gets on their hands and ultimately into their mouth.

Other sources of lead exposure include:

• Parent/Guardian Occupation (Construction, Automobile Repair, Plumbing, etc.) 
• Imported products (Jewelry, Food, Home Remedies)
• Hobbies (Stained Glass Making, Pottery Glazing, Target Shooting, Soldering, etc.)
• Drinking Water

What does the Evanston Health Department do?

Each Environmental Health Practitioner is a licensed lead risk assessor that respond to and investigate cases of childhood lead poisoning. Staff conduct a thorough inspection of the child's residence and collect various environmental samples to be analyzed by a lab to determine the amount of lead present.

If a lead hazard is present, staff work with the property owner to ensure the hazard is mitigated in a way that doesn't cause more contamination.

 We also offer preventative inspections for the following situations:

• A child 6 months to 6 years of age lives in or frequently visits a building built prior to 1978
• A pregnant woman lives in or frequently visits a building built prior to 1978

If you would like more information or to schedule an inspection, please contact the Evanston 311 center at 847-448-4311 or email the Health and Human Services Department at health@cityofevanston.org