COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other state officials announced a new program Friday that will allocate funds for further efforts to reduce lead poisoning. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Lead Safe Ohio Program will invest $150 million toward efforts to remediate lead contamination

  • DeWine said $100 million will go toward "lead-safe building certification, screening and testing for lead poisoning, education and outreach, and early intervention for children and families impacted by lead"

  • The rest of the funds will be used for the recruitment and retention of lead contractors, as well as lead remediation services

The Lead Safe Ohio Program will invest $150 million toward efforts to remediate lead contamination. DeWine said $100 million will go toward "lead-safe building certification, screening and testing for lead poisoning, education and outreach, and early intervention for children and families impacted by lead."

The rest of the funds will be used for the recruitment and retention of lead contractors, as well as lead remediation services. That will specifically apply to single-family homes, congregate care shelters and child care facilities build before 1978.

“In 2023, lead exposure is an all-too preventable problem," said DeWine. "It is our responsibility to ensure that all Ohioans — young and old — feel safe and healthy in their own homes.” 

The most common cause of lead poisoning is lead-based paint, according to DeWine's office. Lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, however, children's bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects. Long-term exposure can be detrimental to physical and mental health. 

“Through this funding, we are arming community leaders with the resources to help their residents make much-needed repairs and remove a catastrophic health hazard from the places they call home,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. 

The program is being funding through money appropriated by the American Rescue Act.