More than 90% of all childhood lead poisoning cases in Kent County are caused by deteriorating lead-based paint in older homes. Checking to make sure your house or apartment is lead-safe is the FIRST thing you should do to protect your child from lead poisoning.

• Check the exterior of the home for peeling paint. Pay special attention to windows, doors and porches — areas that are known for having lead-based paint.

• Check your windows inside and out for peeling paint AND paint dust. Windows are "friction surfaces" and can generate a lot of invisible lead dust. Look in the window trough for residue and chips. Clean out the window using soapy water and disposable rags or paper towels. Consider repairing the windows to stabilize the paint and reduce friction, or consider replacement.

• Exterior Soil. The dirt outside older houses can have high levels of lead from years of peeling paint and other pollutants. Make sure your child does not play in the bare soil surrounding the house. Plant grass or bushes, cover with mulch, and/or pave walkways to keep children from playing in the dirt. Provide an alternative, like a sandbox, that is more attractive for play.

• Shoes off! Make sure dirt (and the lead that may be in it) does not get tracked into your home. Institute a "shoes off at the door" policy.

• Play Safe. Watch where your children play indoors and out. Is the paint near where they play in good repair? Does soil get tracked from outdoors into their play area?

• Think "LEAD SMART" twice a month. Go through the house and look for possible lead sources like paint chips, dust and soil. Clean high-risk areas like windowsills, entryways, and play areas. Use soapy water in a spray bottle as a cleaning solution and ALWAYS use disposable rags. Some areas, like entryways, may require more frequent cleaning. Click here to download a guide for cleaning for lead (342 KB PDF).

• THINK "LEAD SMART" when making repairs. As you fix your home, think "Lead Smart" and make it easy to clean. Carpeting, worn-out vinyl, and unfinished wood or plywood flooring can hold on to lead dust. Hard, smooth, durable, easily cleanable surfaces reduce lead risks.

• Remodeling can make it worse! ALWAYS use "Lead Safe Work Practices" when you work. See the "Events & News" portion of this website for training dates and locations. Home Repair Services offers training every month; call (616) 241-2601 for more information. Consider hiring a trained and state-certified lead contractor when working on high-risk areas. In older housing, always assume paint that has not been tested contains lead and work lead-safe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Michigan Department of Community Health advise that children living in pre-1978 housing have a blood-lead test at their one- and two-year well-child visits. Your pediatrician should test your child for lead, or you can contact the Kent County Health Department at (616) 632-7062.

Childhood lead poisoning causes permanent brain damage and other long-lasting health problems. Young children living in older housing are at high risk because they crawl, play on the floor, and put their hands, toys, and other items into their mouths. Help your child grow up healthy and smart. Check your home for lead hazards!

Here are some additional resources.

• Downloadable, printable PDF of the checklist above (314 KB PDF).
• Downloadable, printable Guide for Cleaning-up Lead A guide to help parents with low-cost, easy interventions through proven cleaning techniques. These are not the same cleaning habits Mom taught you! (300 KB PDF).
• Downloadable, printable "Renter's Guide," a checklist to help parents shop for a new apartment or home that is as lead-safe as possible (435 KB PDF).
• The City of Grand Rapids' Lead Safe Housing Registry. Homes made lead-safe through the City's Lead Hazard Control, CDBG and HOME programs (PDF).
• State of Michigan Lead-Safe Housing Registry. A statewide database of lead-safe rental housing, including homes in the City of Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.