By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

While toy recalls for lead poisoning have caught public attention in recent years, many homes are still coated in lead-based paint that is equally dangerous to young children.

The Berrien County Health Department received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last month to battle that very problem.

The funding will go toward remediating lead-paint hazards in the county, including removing lead-based paint from homes.

Lead program manager Charles Lawrence said any house built before 1978 has the potential to have lead paint in it, meaning it is still a big concern in the county.

Children under age 6 are the main concern when it comes to lead poisoning.

“The most common way of getting lead poisoning is from lead dust which comes off of deteriorating paint,” Lawrence said. “Children put things in their mouth that has the dust on it.”

Lawrence said lead poisoning can cause lowered IQ and the development of learning disabilities.
He estimates at least 120 homes will be able to be treated with the grant money. Those interested in applying to have lead paint removed from their house can call (269) 927-5623. Homes must have children younger than 6 years old living there.