protect the home

Are you a homeowner in the City of Rochester?

You could be eligible for funding to fix home lead hazards.

LEAD HAZARDS IN THE HOME

Lead poisoning can happen anywhere. But most of the time it happens where children should be safest—your home. Lead can be found in paint, soil, water, hobby supplies, and more. It’s important to know what can put your child at risk so you can start taking steps to keep them safe.

PAINT IN HOMES BUILT BEFORE 1978

Leaded paint is a hazard long before it actually chips or flakes. Microscopic dust is the biggest cause of lead paint poisoning in children. It only takes as little as a sugar packet’s worth to feel the effects of lead exposure.

RENOVATION PROJECTS

Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust can put your family at risk. Get your home tested before starting any renovation projects and only hire EPA Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) certified contractors.

Find an RRP Certified Firm.

WATER

Lead can leach into the water supply when water sits in leaded pipes for several hours. If you are concerned that your home might have lead pipes or pipes with lead solder, run your tap on cold for 1–2 minutes to flush your system before cooking or drinking.

If you live in the City of Rochester you can get your water tested for free.

Get more information about lead in the drinking water from the EPA or drinking water safety in the City of Rochester.

SOIL

Flaking or deteriorating lead-based paint can contaminate soil in your yard and be tracked into your house. Take off your shoes inside and don’t let children play in bare soil next to your house, and don’t plant food in soil near your home unless it’s been tested for lead.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO

Want to protect your child’s future? Start by taking steps to get rid of lead hazards in your home.

RENTERS

Before you sign a lease on a home built before 1978, your landlord is required to warn you about lead. If you live in the City of Rochester, you can request a free inspection at 585-428-6520. Your landlord cannot legally retaliate against you for requesting an inspection.

HOMEOWNERS

Sellers must disclose known information on lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. But it’s still a good idea to get your home tested by a professional.

Find out when your house was built

Millions of houses built before 1978 have lead paint still present. The symptoms of lead poisoning aren’t always easy to see. Lots of things happen at appointments, make sure lead is on the list. Talk to your doctor about requesting a lead test.

REQUEST A FREE HOME INSPECTION

If you rent or own a home in the City of Rochester, call 585-428-6520 to request a free lead inspection. Renters, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to make sure your home is lead safe.

HIRE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Make sure anyone you hire to do repair work on a pre-1978 structure is certified by the EPA in Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP). It is required by law that they have a certification.

Other Organizations and Resources

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Are you a property owner in the City of Rochester? You could receive funding to address home lead hazards. LEARN MORE