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The Cook County Department of Public Health is launching a new awareness campaign: Lead-Safe Cook County — a countywide effort to help suburban Cook County families get FREE lead remove services and free home repairs so kids can grow up in healthier, safer homes. 

Here's the truth: there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even small amounts can cause damage over time — especially for young children. In suburban Cook County, about 200 children each year test positive for elevated blood lead levels, which can lead to lasting challenges with growth, learning, and behavior.

Lead exposure during pregnancy is also dangerous. It can pass to a baby and affect development before birth.

Two-thirds of homes in Cook County and across Illinois were built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned. Those older homes are the most common source of lead exposure for children — often through paint chips and lead dust created as paint deteriorates.

If your home qualifies, the program may include:
✅ A lead inspection
✅ Painting
✅ Window replacement
✅ Flooring
✅ Drywall work
✅ Soil remediation

This is for homeowners and renters. You may be eligible if:
✅ Your home was built before 1978
✅ Your household earns less than 120% of Area Median Income (AMI)
✅ A child under age 6 lives in or frequently visits the home

This is your moment to protect your household and your community.
1. Apply if you think you might qualify
2. Share this with anyone in an older home
3. Don't wait until there's a test result to take action

Lead may be hard to see — but preventing it doesn't have to be.