How it works
- The Lead Safe Homes Program will provide low or no cost paint inspections of homes and home-based daycares to identify lead-based paint hazards.
- The program will work with lead contamination specialist who will be conducting the necessary tests and inspections.
- If lead paint is identified in your home, the property may be eligible for low or no cost contamination repair services.
- Most repairs will take less than a week to complete but can vary. Temporary housing assistance will be provided at no cost if needed.
- Once repairs are completed, your home will receive a final inspection to ensure the lead source has been removed.
Currently, the Lead Safe Homes Program is in Phase I: the planning and development phase. For more information, refer to the Program Phases section below.
High-risk priority groups
Services will be based on eligibility criteria and considered on a case-by-case basis. Priority will be given to families with the highest risk, including:
- Low-income families with children or pregnant women, as well as home-based daycares.
- Homes in areas of the County with a higher lead-based paint exposure.
The Lead Safe Homes Program will work closely with community partners to ensure priority is given based on highest exposure risk.
Program phases
The County of Santa Clara is currently in the planning and development phase of the Lead Safe Homes Program. Please refer to the timeline below for updates on the program's progress.
Program funds
A landmark lawsuit, filed by the County of Santa Clara, holds former lead-based paint manufacturers accountable for promoting use of lead-based paint in homes and apartments despite their knowledge that the product was very toxic, especially to children under 6 years of age. Santa Clara County has received approximately $16.8 million for lead-based paint inspection, abatement, and related services. For more information on the lawsuit, click here.
Stay connected and get involved
The Lead Safe Homes Program is looking for community advocates and leaders for the program's Community Advisory Group (CAG).
To find out more about the CAG, click here. If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected].
Community Advisory Group
Be an advocate for your community!
The Lead Safe Homes Program is looking for community advocates and leaders for the program's Community Advisory Group (CAG).
Are you interested in joining the CAG to share your ideas? If so, please complete and submit an interest form.
Your participation will help us improve the quality of life and health of our community.
Paid employees as representatives of their organizations will not be compensated. Individual community members and/or unpaid representatives may receive a small stipend for participation.
While we recognize that there are several different sources of lead hazards in the community, this group and the Lead Safe Homes Program will focus specifically on lead-based paint hazards within the home.
For any questions regarding the CAG, please email [email protected]
We hope that members will be able to join us in-person, but a hybrid option will be offered.
You can complete and submit an interest form by clicking here.
General lead information
Lead-based paint contains lead and creates a hazard when it deteriorates. Exposure to lead-based paint is harmful, especially to young children and pregnant women.
Most homes built before 1978 likely contain lead-based paint. Lead paint hazards in the home include:
- Chipping, peeling, chalking, cracking or flaking wall paint
- Chipping lead paint or dust from other surfaces like floors, furniture, and toys
- Dust created through friction when doors or windows are opened or closed
- Soil around the perimeter of the house that has been exposed to lead-based paint
The only way to know if there are lead-paint hazards in your home is through a test.
For more information on recommended testing options and methods, refer to "Testing Your Home for Lead".
The Lead Safe Homes Program will provide low or no cost lead paint inspections of homes and home-based daycares to eligible families.
Lead paint can be harmful, especially for children under 6 years old and pregnant women. It is important to take proper action if there is lead paint in your home.
The EPA pamphlet "Protect your Family From Lead in Your Home" provides information on lead and how you can protect your home from lead contamination. The pamphlet is available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, and other languages.
Lead-based paint can be toxic for everyone but is especially harmful to children under 6 years of age and pregnant women.
Lead-based paint removal or repairs require contractors to have specialized skills, and knowledge on the different regulations. For more information on hiring a certified professional for lead paint abatement, please visit the California Department of Public Health's Website at Hire a Lead Professional.
For more information on lead, please visit the EPAs Frequently Asked Questions.
Lead Safe Homes Program information
The program will provide low or no cost lead-based paint inspections and "abatement" (removal) services.
Our team will address lead-based paint hazards on the inside and outside of your home if determined necessary.
The Lead Safe Homes Program is currently in the planning and development phase. The program will update this webpage when services are available.
Continue to check this website for program updates on applying for program services.
The program will offer services to eligible families throughout Santa Clara County.
Languages other than English will be made available throughout the entire process.
Only licensed and bonded professionals who are certified to conduct lead paint testing and repair procedures will be used. Your inspector will be available to answer any questions throughout the entire process.
Most repairs will take less than a week to complete, and temporary housing assistance will be provided if needed.
A final inspection will be completed to review the completion and quality of work to ensure the source of lead has been removed.
Lead facts
- Lead is a toxic metal found in air, soil, dust, and drinking water.
- Lead is harmful when absorbed and stored in the body.
- Children under 6 years of age and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to health risks associated with lead exposure.
- Exposure to lead, even at very low levels, can affect a child's learning, ability to focus, and behavior.
Lead hazard education resources
E-newsletter archive
E-newsletters are a source for the latest Lead Safe Homes Program updates and educational resources related to lead hazards. If you would like to sign up to receive future e-newsletters, please email [email protected] with your request.