CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The head of a Chicago non-profit trying to eliminate lead in low-income housing has been awarded an environmental prize for its work.
CEO of Elevate Anne Evens said Chicago has a substantial problem with lead in water, soil and the air in old homes.
"So many of our homes and the home daycare provider spaces have lead- based paint," she said.
"They also are likely to have led service lines because until 1986, the Chicago code required that led be used in water service line."
She said eliminating the neurotoxin would help developing brains.
"If we were to remove the lead from children's environment, Yes, their IQs would be would be higher."
Evens said her $250,000 Heinz Award for the environment will be used to continue to test children in daycare centers for lead as well as retrofit apartments with energy efficient appliances and materials so tenants with limited income don’t spend a disproportionate amount of it on utilities.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!