Paint chips off of the window and door frames of a historic home in downtown Tucson.
The City of Tucson is offering a lead-based paint removal program for homeowners whose properties were built before 1978.
The City of Tucson Housing and Community Development Lead Hazard Reduction Program is meant to help keep young children safe by mitigating the effects of lead exposure, such as delayed development, learning problems, hearing issues, and other health concerns. Lead paint can be hazardous when it peels, flakes, or chips in places children frequently touch, like windows, doors, and stairs.
For qualifying homeowners, the Lead Hazard Reduction Program begins with a free in-home Lead Inspection Risk Assessment. If lead is detected, children under the age of 6 who live in or regularly visit the home will be referred to El Rio Health Center for free blood testing. Families may also use their own physicians and/or clinics. Eligible children determined to have elevated blood levels will be referred to local health providers for any available treatment and follow-up care.
Next, lead hazards will be removed from the house. This may include some housing rehabilitation, such as exterior painting and trim, window replacements, and door replacements. In addition, the homeowner may be able to participate in the Healthy Homes Program which can replace roofing, HVAC systems, water heaters, electrical panels, and other health & safety related issues.
Although the federal government banned lead-based paint in 1978, it could be present in millions of homes under newer layers of paint. Houses built between 1940 and 1959 are 69% more likely to have lead paint than those built after 1978.
Tucson neighborhoods with the highest concentration of older homes include Ward 6, Ward 5, Ward 3, and Ward 1. High-risk ZIP codes within those wards include 85712, 85711, 85705, 85714, 85706, 85713, and 85745.
The program is open to both homeowners and rental property owners. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the City of Tucson Housing and Community Development website for full eligibility requirements and to apply.
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