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TagsThe rule revisions are part of the DCA's comprehensive effort to keep children safe from lead poisoning.
The Lead Hazard Control Assistance Program provides low-interest, deferred-payment loans directly to homeowners and property owners for reducing lead-based paint hazards in houses and apartments.
Rule revisions reduce the minimum loan amount to $1,000 in order to assist property owners with smaller lead projects; relax loan repayment requirements; and provide blended loans or grants to property owners who are responding to a lead hazard in a home where a child was lead poisoned, but have insufficient equity in the subject property.
The revisions also introduce several new program initiatives developed by the Department of Community Affairs to prevent childhood lead poisoning:A lead identification and field testing program (provides funding to eligible participants to purchase lead testing equipment that identifies lead in a field environment;
A health expedited abatement of lead program provides funding to local health boards to finance lead abatement on properties where the owner is unwilling or unable to perform the abatement treatments identified in an abatement order;
A housing assistant for lead-safe living opportunities program provides funding to non-profit organizations to assist households eligible for relocation services;
A lead dust hazard removal program provides for the removal of lead dust hazards in cases where a tenant's household includes a qualifying child; and
A geographic organization of lead data program collects lead risk factor data and uses geographic information systems mapping and other planning to develop specific recommendations for lead education and outreach initiatives.
The DCA also has an agreement with the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to subsidize lead training. The training will be offered at county colleges beginning in January.
"Exposure to lead remains the single largest environmental threat to our children's health and continues to be a preventable cause of developmental disabilities," Grifa said. "These program changes will have the lasting effect of making more housing units throughout the state safer for our children to live and grow up in.
"New Jersey has had success in reducing people's exposure to lead, but there is much more work to be done," the commissioner added. "With these changes and new initiatives in place, Governor Christie and I are confidant homes in this state will become safer for families."
The most common place to find lead is in house paint in homes built before 1978.
Lead poisoning occurs when high concentrations of lead are found in blood levels. In children, this can result in hyperactivity, learning or behavioral problems. In adults, it can lead to increased blood pressure and digestive, muscle and joint problems.
The DCA's Indoor Environmental Hazards Unit administers the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund. For more information visit leadsafenj.org or contact the DCA at 1-877-DCA-LEAD.
– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
