The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has started a new campaign called “Lead-Safe Cook County” to inform suburban residents about free lead removal and home repair services. The campaign aims to reach homeowners and renters who may qualify for these services, which include lead inspections, painting, window replacement, flooring, drywall work, and soil remediation.
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause health problems even at low levels of exposure. Each year, about 200 children in suburban Cook County are found to have elevated blood lead levels. This can affect their growth, learning abilities, and behavior. Pregnant women exposed to lead may also pass it on to their unborn children.
To be eligible for the program, homes must have been built before 1978 and families must earn less than 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). There must also be a child under six years old living in or frequently visiting the home. Many homes in Cook County and Illinois are at risk because two-thirds were built before the ban on lead-based paint in 1978.
“Lead poisoning can have serious and lasting effects on a child’s development, including damage to the brain and nervous system, and can increase the risk of long-term health conditions in adulthood such as anemia, high blood pressure, and heart disease,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health. “Testing children for lead, inspecting homes for lead hazards, and removing lead from the home are critical steps, and Cook County’s program helps families take action.”
The program is funded by Cook County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is available at no cost to both homeowners and renters.
Residents interested in applying or learning more can visit https://www.Lead-SafeCookCounty.com.
Brookfield residents may access municipal services such as public works, safety operations through its police department, utility billing, code enforcement, permitting, licensing, online payments, property maintenance oversight, and other civic matters at Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue. The Village coordinates among departments like Public Works and Code Enforcement to deliver these services according to its official website. As a local government entity focused on civic administration and community services within Brookfield’s boundaries in Illinois (source), residents seeking information about local regulations or municipal support should contact their administrative offices directly.
