Kane County Government
How Do I

Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment
Kane County Lead-Based Paint Resources

Resources for Residents

Why is lead-based paint a problem?

Many people think that lead poisoning is a thing of the past. But consider this, most homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead paint. Deteriorating lead-based paint and paint dust can be poisonous, especially for children. If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches. In rare cases of acute lead poisoning from ingestion of lead, children can suffer seizure, coma and even death.

Lead poisoning is not always easy to detect. Sometimes no symptoms occur and sometimes the symptoms are the same as those of more common illnesses like the flu. Early signs of lead poisoning are persistent tiredness or hyperactivity, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced attention span, difficulty sleeping, and constipation.

How can I prevent lead poisoning?

  • If your home was built before 1978, test your home for lead-based paint and learn about potential lead hazards.
  • Keep painted surfaces well-maintained and fix any chipped or peeling paint. Use a lead-safe certified contractor for renovation, repair or painting jobs.
  • Keep your home clean and as free of dust as possible-particularly around areas where painted surfaces rub together upon opening and closing, such as windows, doors and painted drawers.
  • Wipe up any paint chips or visible dust with a wet sponge or rag.
    • Hire an EPA lead-safe certified firm before renovating, repairing or painting your home. To find a local EPA-certified renovator training click here.
  • If you are a do-it-yourselfer, learn how to work lead-safe.
  • Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often.
  • Teach children to remove their shoes, and wash their hands after playing outdoors.
  • Ensure that your family members eat well-balanced meals.

Resources

A number of programs are available to assist Kane County families in addressing lead-based paint hazards. To help us connect you to the appropriate resources, please email ocr@countyofkane.org. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and whether you rent or own your home.

Helpful Links

Lead Away Program - Looking to discuss lead and home health with your children? Sesame Street has developed a program called �Lead Away� which helps to teach children and parents about lead safety.

EPA�s Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil

Illinois Department of Public Health�s Lead Program

HUD�s Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control

Kane County Health Department Lead Resources

Lead Free Kids - The Lead-Free Kids campaign is joint effort of the Ad Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention�s Lead Program