Avoid Making and Spreading Lead Dust by Learning Lead-Safe Work Practices

DON'T SPREAD LEAD!

Naugatuck Valley Health District

NauVEL

Naugatuck Valley Emends Lead Hazards Program

100 Bank Street, Suite 401
Seymour, CT 06483

Office (203) 828-9925
Fax (203) 888-3987

              

 

What is NauVEL?

The Naugatuck Valley Health District has been awarded a 3-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grant is called the Naugatuck Valley Emends Lead Hazards Program (NauVEL).

 

NauVEL funds will help low-income families and property owners who qualify to prevent lead poisoning in their Naugatuck Valley homes by funding lead-safe repairs.

 

Our Mission:

For more information about lead hazards - use this form.

 

NauVEL is offering a Free EPA-approved training for contractors, etc. Click here for details.

Free EPA Classes are filled at present, please register for information regarding future classes or cancellations.

Free EPA-Approved Training Registration Form.

 

Where Can I Apply?

For application, screening and eligibility, contact:

Naugatuck Valley Emends Lead Hazards Program
100 Bank Street, Suite 401
Seymour, CT 06483
or call
(203) 828-9925

or

Fill out form to print, fax, or email for more information.

Buildings Built Before 1978.....May Contain Lead Poisoning

If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint which was used in more than 64 million homes until it was banned from residential use in 1978. 

Lead can be found in and around homes in the city, country or suburbs, in single-family homes as well as private and public apartment buildings.  It may be in your home, or the home of your child’s grandparents, best friend, or babysitter.

  • Lead-based paint may not be a hazard if it is in good condition and not found on an impact or friction surface such as a window or door. 

  • It is a hazard that needs immediate attention when it is deteriorating and peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking or is otherwise damaged or disturbed.

  • Even new renovations and upgrades to a pre-1978 property can cause lead poisoning by disturbing old lead-painted surfaces, releasing  microscopic but poisonous lead dust. 

Children Under Age 6 Are Most At Risk

According to the CDC, childhood lead  poisoning is the most common environmental disease of young children under the age of 6 and it is 100% preventable.  

Children are primarily exposed  to lead by the ingestion and/or  inhalation of lead dust or paint chips on interior floors, windows, rugs, and other surfaces.  On the exterior, lead dust and chips can be present in soil surrounding the home or play area.

If  not prevented, it can cause:

  • Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence;

  • Decreased growth;

  • Anemia;

  • Hearing damage, speech, language, and behavior problems;

  • Kidney damage;

  • Poor muscle growth & coordination; and

  • Other physical & psychological problems.

A pregnant woman exposed to lead  can pass it on to her unborn child, leading to increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth and low-birth weight, as well as risks for developmental problems that are even higher and more severe than for children exposed to lead from birth to age 6.

In adults, lead poisoning can cause high-blood pressure and hypertension; digestive and kidney problems; nerve disorders; memory and concentration problems; muscle and joint pain; and fertility problems.

 

But Lead Poisoning Can Be Prevented!!

To reduce your risk, your child’s risk, or the risk that your pre-1978 home or rental property may pose, you can:

  • Make sure your child is tested for an elevated blood lead level with a simple blood test.  If you are pregnant, make sure that you are tested as well.

  • Have your home or rental property tested for the presence of lead-paint  hazards.

  • Work to eliminate or control any  lead-paint hazards that are found.

  • Learn and practice how to work, renovate and clean lead-safe, and utilize clean lead-safe practices for routine household maintenance.

Who Is Eligible For What?

 Residential Property Owners:

  • Financial assistance for lead-hazard abatement for eligible properties.

  • Lead risk assessment/estimate, lead inspection  and abatement planning on subject properties.

  • Access to pre-qualified contractors.

  • Technical assistance and project monitoring.

  • Relocation assistance if required.

  • Information about legal liability.

Real Estate/Insurance Professionals:

  • Access to financial assistance for qualified property owners.

Parents & Residents:

  • Information on blood screening for children under age 6. 

  • Facts for pregnant women on  preventative measures.

  • Training on the benefits of nutrition and lead-safe cleaning methods for the  prevention of lead poisoning.

Contractors:

  • Economic opportunities in the specialty area of lead-hazard abatement/control.

  • Assistance with professional development for certification & licensing for lead-safe work practices.

  • Convenient access to trade bulletins, updates and other printed materials on  lead abatement.

 Healthcare, Childcare & Other Providers:

  • Access to educational programs,  literature and group presentations for interested individuals/organizations.

  • Potential access to financial assistance for qualified clients.

Which Properties Qualify for NauVEL  Funding?

  • The property must be located within the communities that comprise the Naugatuck Valley Health District — Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour and Shelton.

  • Property must be pre-1978 construction and contain lead  hazards.  Property must warrant investment, as well as be up-to-date on insurance, taxes and    mortgage.

  • Tenants and owner-occupants must meet HUD regional income requirements. Rents must remain at fair-market levels for 3 years.

lgrafton@webtowne.net