Federal funds announced for removal of lead paint from over 300 Erie County homes

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Federal funding announced by New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as NY-26 Congressman Tim Kennedy, will help remove dangerous lead paint from more than 300 homes across Erie County.

The funding, a total of $7 million, will clear over 300 housing units across the county of lead paint hazards and allow for the county to complete risk assessments at over 360 additional homes.

It is estimated that 85,000 homes in Buffalo are at risk for lead paint level hazards, with 12,000 that have documented lead problems where children ages 6 and under live.

Buffalo family’s dream apartment became health nightmare over unsafe lead paint levels

Any home built before 1978 is presumed by county health officials to have lead paint somewhere inside or outside the home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately three-quarters of the nation’s housing built before 1978 contains some lead-based paint.

As part of the funding, the county will boost community education programs to teach residents living in zip codes that are considered at-risk.

“Historic housing and walkable neighborhoods are part of what makes Buffalo such a great place to live, but we need to make sure that our housing is safe for the families that call our city home,” Kennedy said in a Wednesday news release. “Lead paint jeopardizes the development of our children and the wellbeing of people across our community. This federal funding will help remove lead paint that is often hidden in plain sight in homes and lived spaces, particularly benefiting communities in Western New York with elevated lead exposure.”

If you live in a home or apartment building built before 1978, it is important to protect yourself and your children from exposure to any lead paint dust and chips. Any Erie County resident concerned about potential exposure to lead can call Erie County Department of Health at 716-961-6800.

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Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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