Resources for Families
ProBonoPhotoCLE.org
Check this out! No date. Youtube Identifying and Reducing the Risk of Lead: Friction Impact Surfaces. Produced by Cleveland Department of Public Health--a really good primer on lead safety. CLASH plans to use this in upcoming trainings.
Three steps that families can take to address lead hazards at home
- Cleaning can reduce lead exposure.
Identifying Lead hazards in your home.
Report Lead Hazards to your landlord and City of Cleveland.
Step 1: Cleaning your home.
EPA has a handbook on steps families can take to protect their children from lead exposure. Your landlord should have provided a copy of this document at the beginning of your tenancy.
Rent a HepaVac and do a thorough cleaning. Deep cleaning will raise some dust so make sure the children and pregnant women are outside the home for at least 8 hours after the cleaning.
Use Dustwipes to do spot clean ups after a thorough cleaning.
Professional cleaning agencies that have experience with Lead safe cleaning standards may be of assistance.
One suggestion the article forgot: let your tap water run for a minute before using the water for drinking or cooking. Flushing out the standing water can reduce lead levels.
Step 2 Identifying Lead Hazards in your home
Look for chipping, peeling or deteriorated paint surfaces or bare soil. Besides a visual inspection, you can purchase an EPA approved Home Lead Test Kit. More info here.
CLASH can help with testing bare soil in and around your home. Contact clevelandleadsafe@gmail.com
Get information about lead risks from Cleveland Water Department.
Step 3: Report Lead Hazards to your landlord and the City of Cleveland
Notify your landlord in writing of the test results and any signs of chipping, peeling or deteriorating paint surfaces. Email or Text Message is a written notice. KEEP A COPY. CLASH can provide a Sample letter that you can use. Call or text 216-359-1060 or email clevelandleadsafe@gmail.com
Then: Report your complaint Cleveland’s Citizen Complaint Line. Dial 311 or email: Cleveland311@clevelandohio.gov
Lead Safety Primers for immigrant communities
Keeping Immigrant Families Safe and Healthy. "This book, written by Ngo Hna, a refugee. provides the information that you need to maintain a safe and healthy home for you and your family.
Another primer on lead hazards has information on refugee/new American households.
Happy, Healthy, Lead-Free Me! Simple Steps and Resources for Parents
IMPORTANT
If you fail to get a response from your landlord or the City of Cleveland, contact CLASH to learn more about your rights.