Federal allocation of $7.7 million to eliminate lead hazards, 125 historic houses in Los Angeles County benefited_1

On October 21, the Los Angeles County Development Agency (LACDA) announced that it has secured a significant federal grant of $7.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding is aimed at addressing the critical issue of lead paint in residential properties, specifically benefiting 125 older homes in Los Angeles County’s first, second, and fourth districts. These homes, built before 1978, contain lead levels that exceed current safety standards.

Emilio Salas, the Executive Director of LACDA, emphasized the serious consequences of lead exposure, particularly its lasting health impacts on children, including adverse effects on their neurological development. “Thanks to the funding from HUD, we’re able to accelerate efforts to eliminate and reduce health and safety hazards associated with housing,” Salas noted.

In recent years, the LACDA has been actively promoting a lead-free initiative targeting properties built before 1978, collaborating with various agencies, including the County Public Health Department and the Consumer and Business Affairs Department. The federal funding will ensure that this initiative continues, covering all costs related to the removal and reduction of lead hazards, including the replacement and repair of lead-contaminated materials, with no financial burden on homeowners.

This latest grant marks the second time since 2021 that Los Angeles County has received federal assistance for lead hazard remediation. In 2021, the county received $5.7 million from HUD to repair lead-contaminated homes in the first and second districts.

Notably, October 20-26 is recognized as the 25th National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), an initiative organized by HUD in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This week aims to raise awareness about lead poisoning prevention and reduce children’s exposure to lead.

Residents in the first, second, and fourth districts of Los Angeles County are encouraged to contact the LACDA for information regarding lead hazard remediation grants at liveleadfree.org or by calling 626-586-1790.