COLUMBUS, Ohio — State government officials announced $84 million for projects seeking to protect Ohio residents from toxic lead, according to a press release Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • State government officials announced $84 million for projects seeking to protect Ohio residents from toxic lead

  • Lead Safe Ohio program will distribute the grant money "to support lead mitigation and prevention projects" at locations throughout 72 Ohio counties

  • The release notes that the most common cause of lead poisoning is a result of lead-based paint

The announcement — which came from Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik — states that the Lead Safe Ohio program will distribute the grant money "to support lead mitigation and prevention projects" at locations throughout 72 Ohio counties. 

“Behind every instance of lead exposure is a person and a future put at risk," DeWine said in the release. "This funding signifies a decisive step in our mission to protect our most vulnerable citizens and create a healthier and safer Ohio for generations to come.” 

The release lays out the distribution of just more than $84 million as below:

  • $50.3 million for owner-occupied homes 
  • $17.3 million for rental properties 
  • $6.5 million for childcare facilities 
  • $1.5 million for congregate care shelters

The Ohio Department of Development is — in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health — administering the program, according to the release, which says the funding is available to "entities in all 88 counties based on high-risk ZIP codes, the number of homes built before 1980, and the percentage of low-to-moderate-income households in the state."

“We’ve all known the risks of lead exposure for decades and in Ohio, we’re turning awareness into action,” said Director Mihalik. “By working with our local partners to identify at-risk properties and facilitate these crucial repairs, we’re building safer neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for thousands of Ohioans.” 

The release notes that the most common cause of lead poisoning is as a result of lead-based paint. It also notes that children are at a higher risk.

"Children's bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance," the release states. "Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and the ability to learn and earn an income. "

The Ohio Department of Health's website has more info.

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