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MDHHS reaching out to Detroit residents with previous lead-abatement services; hazards may still exist
December 11, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 11, 2018
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today that they are reviewing previously completed lead-abatement work by an agency offering lead-based paint hazard identification and abatement services. MDHHS is reviewing homes that received lead-based paint hazard control services from CLEARCorps/Detroit between 2007 and 2018 to assess whether these homes have remaining lead-based paint hazards.
Nearly 600 homes have been serviced by the contractor since 2007, and the number of homes with remaining lead-based paint hazards is unknown. Detroit homeowners and renters are encouraged to contact MDHHS’ Healthy Homes Section hotline at 866-691-5323 if they believe they may be residing in a home serviced by this contractor between 2007 and 2018.
MDHHS will abate any remaining lead-based paint hazards in homes previously serviced by the contractor. The Detroit Health Department is working with MDHHS to connect directly to families at every address in the city serviced by the company, with an in-person outreach team, education and lead cleaning kits for the home, as well as testing of children in the home. The Detroit Health Department continues to recommend that all children under age 6 have an annual lead test, and is providing lead testing at the Samaritan Center, 5555 Conner in Detroit. Families who would like information about testing should call 313-268-3443.
The presence of lead in decaying paint and dust is the No. 1 source of lead poisoning in children. Approximately 90 percent of all elevated blood lead levels result from lead paint dust and surrounding soil in homes built prior to 1978. Elevated blood lead levels can cause irreversible brain damage in children, including reduced cognitive ability, neurological damage, endocrine system disruption, growth rate reduction, aggressive behavior and hearing impairment. Unborn babies and youth under 6 years old are at the greatest risk.
Residents are encouraged to contact the MDHHS Healthy Homes Section if they reside in a home built before 1978 with deteriorated paint and have a child under 6 years of age, or have a child under 19 years of age or a pregnant female enrolled in Medicaid residing in the home. For qualifying households, the MDHHS offers lead hazard identification and control services through the Michigan Lead Safe Home Program.
For more information about the Michigan Lead Safe Home Program, call 866-691-5323 or visit Michigan.gov/leadsafe for an application.
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