Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As part of a larger effort to reduce the risk of lead exposure in households, the Erie County Department of Health and Tool Library launch the Lead Safe Tool Borrowing Program on Friday.
Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein says the program will provide the necessary tools and resources to those who cannot afford it on their own.
"Erie County Health Department will provide lead safe work practices so people understand how to make their homes that were built before 1978, safe against lead, or lead exposure in their homes. In order to do that, after people receive the training, they need tools to make it happen," stated Burstein during Friday's announcement. "So, we are so fortunate to be able to partner with the Tool Library. They have the tools people can lend, free of charge, and be able to make those changes."
Erie County Deputy Executive Lisa Chimera says long-term exposure, especially for children, can become extremely dangerous.
"Anybody who has worked on a home painting or renovation project, knows that the amount of dust that can fill the air. In homes built prior to 1978, it is incredibly likely that this dust has lead particles. Once lead enters the body, it becomes a health hazard for all. However, it is significantly more dangerous for children because it affects developing nerves and brains," said Chimera on Friday.
As part of the program, the Tool Library will provide be providing HEPA lead vacuum's, as part of the borrowing program, for anyone who receives the proper training and certification. The Tool Library currently has four vacuums in their inventory. However, that could change if the program does well during its pilot year.
Tool Library Executive Director Darren Cotton says anyone who participates in the program are allowed to use other tools besides the vacuum.
"Through this program, people will have access to a free membership to The Tool Library, which includes access to those HEPA vacs, but also includes other things people might need. Ladders, paint rollers, scrapers, again anything that they would need to tackle the project," Cotton said.