The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is helping Cincinnati clean up lead to protect families from long-term health issues.
Cincinnati received $3.5 million from HUD as a part of a $12.6 million investment across the state of Ohio.
The city will address health hazards in 200 housing units, with a goal of providing safer homes for low-income families with children. Most of the housing units addressed were built in the mid-20th century.
City Health Commissioner Melba Moore said the money will go toward providing lead poisoning prevention and training throughout the community.
"In reducing child lead poisoning within the city of Cincinnati, collective of partnerships allow us to become stronger, healthier, when we together support one another and we’re all so valuable in this process," Moore said.
Mayor John Cranley said a Lower Price Hill study showed children who contracted lead poisoning had irreversible brain damage later in life.
"Nowadays and for the last 40 years, no home is built with lead paint, but there are still lots of homes that have lead paint for historical purposes, and disproportionately, low income people may be living in those homes," Cranley said.
Overall, Ohio received $12.6 million to address the health hazards. Toledo received $5.7 million, and Lancaster received $1.4 million. Hamilton County will also receive $2 million. HUD awarded nearly $165 million to 23 states for similar projects.
