Lead Information for Homeowners
If you are in the process of buying or selling a home built before 1978, see the EPA’s Real Estate Disclosures about Potential Lead Hazards page
Should I be concerned about lead in my home?
- Was the home built before 1978?
- are there children under six living in the home or visiting regularly?
- Is there a pregnant person or soon-to-be pregnant person living in the home?
If the answer is yes to number one, AND yes to either number two or number three, then there should be concern about possible lead exposure in the home. Depending on income, you may be eligible for free testing and removal.
Even if a home doesn’t contain lead paint, there may be other sources of exposure. See the Lead Sources page for more info, and see the Preventing Exposure to Lead page for information about how to protect children from exposure from lead paint and other potential sources.
What can I do about lead in my home?
The ACHD provides a number of resources to help address lead in the home. For information about testing, removal, and other ways to address exposure, visit the Lead Resources page.
If there is concern that a child has already been exposed to lead in the home, it is recommend they see a doctor to have their blood tested. The Blood Lead Level Testing page has info about how to get a child tested and what to do if the results show elevated levels of lead.
If you own a home built before 1978 and anyone in the home is under 6 years old OR is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you may be eligible for free testing and repairs through the Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program.
Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program
There is currently funding available in Allegheny County for homeowners, landlords, and renters who need help making their property lead safe.
The Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program provides free home repairs to keep families safe from lead paint.
To be eligible, families must:
- Be homeowners or renters in Allegheny County
- Live in a home built before 1978
- Have a child under 6 who lives in or regularly visits the home OR have someone who is pregnant living in the home
- Meet applicable income limits
The Program provides the following services free of charge to eligible families:
- Lead paint testing throughout your home
- Home repairs to address all lead hazards
- Lead safety education
To see if you qualify, or to begin applying, call 412-227-5700, email alleghenylead@actionhousing.org, or complete a pre-screening online from the Lead Safe Homes Program page.
Other Resources
Check the Lead Resources page for more info about lead testing and removal. Even if you don’t qualify for free services, we can help you know what to look for when reaching out to inspectors, assessors, or contractors.