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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine launches program to protect Ohioans from dangers of lead poisoning

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a press conference Thursday in Avon Lake, Ohio, during Ford’s announcement that it will add 6,200 factory jobs in Michigan, Missouri and Ohio. The Ford factory in Avon Lake, near Cleveland, will be expanded so it can build an unidentified new electric commercial vehicle, with 1,800 new jobs.
Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a press conference Thursday in Avon Lake, Ohio, during Ford’s announcement that it will add 6,200 factory jobs in Michigan, Missouri and Ohio. The Ford factory in Avon Lake, near Cleveland, will be expanded so it can build an unidentified new electric commercial vehicle, with 1,800 new jobs. (David Richard | AP Photo)

Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and the Ohio Department of Development director Lydia Mihalik announced the launch of Lead Safe Ohio, designed to protect Ohio residents from toxic lead exposure.

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

What will happen in Lead Safe Ohio?

According to the governor’s office, approximately $100 million will go toward lead prevention and mitigation, such as lead-safe building certification, screening and testing for lead poisoning, education and outreach, and early intervention for children and families impacted by lead.

The program is part of the DeWine office’s $150 million initiative to make more of Ohio’s homes lead-safe for children and families.

The remaining $50 million will be for lead remediation services in facilities constructed before 1978, including single-family homes, congregate care shelters, and childcare facilities.

“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 Husted.

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This story was originally published May 21, 2023 at 4:00 AM.