Inspections

The Douglas County Health Department Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program offers free inspections to families in Douglas County living in pre-1978 housing where children under 7 years of age spend time on a regular basis.

Families with children who have been designated as having elevated blood lead levels are given first priority. At the current time we have a 3-4 month backlog for other inspections. You can contact our office to get on a waiting list.

You can still be pro-active in protecting your family from unnecessary lead exposure.

Here are some general guidelines.

• Lead-based paint was banned for use in housing in 1978, so homes built after that date should be almost free of lead-based paint.
  
  
• Because lead exposure can occur from sources other than lead-based paint, children should be tested for lead at 1,2, and 3 years of age.
  
  
• Children 3-7 years of age can use a questionnaire to help determine the need for additional blood lead testing.
  
  
• Homes built between 1960 - 1978 may contain various levels of lead-based paint, but levels of lead are usually low compared to older housing.
  • Renovation or repair work should be done using lead-safe work practices.
  • Pregnant women and children under 7 years should not do renovation projects or be present during the work.
  • Surfaces should be washed off weekly to reduce the buildup of lead dust.
  • Children under 7 years should be tested yearly as a precaution.
    
    
• Homes built between 1950 - 1960 usually will contain some lead-based paint. The condition of the home and painted surfaces affects how hazardous the paint is to your family. You need to be aware of how you can protect your family.
  • Renovation or repair work should be done using lead-safe work practices.
  • Pregnant women and children under 7 years should not do renovation projects or be present during the work.
  • Surfaces should be washed off weekly to reduce the buildup of lead dust.
  • Children under 7 years should be tested yearly as a precaution.
    
    
• Homes built before 1950 almost always contain some lead-based paint, even if the home has been renovated in the past. Some of the paint used before 1950 was 50% lead by weight, so even a little of this paint can cause a lot of lead dust or lead hazards to families, especially children under 7 years of age. Special areas of concern are windows and porches, and any chipping, peeling, or flaking paint of the interior or exterior of the home.
  • Renovation or repair work should be done using lead-safe work practices.
  • Pregnant women and children under 7 years should not do renovation projects or be present during the work.
  • Surfaces should be washed off weekly to reduce the buildup of lead dust.
  • Children under 7 years should be tested yearly as a precaution.

For More Information,

Contact the Douglas County Health Department Lead Program

444-7825