HUD offers grants to help families rid their homes of lead

One of the worst surprises a family can get after moving into a new property is to find that their home is covered with lead-based paint, as it can pose a serious health hazard. But the U.S. government says this can be avoided if homeowners take advantage of grants that they are making available.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, these grants will enable lower income homes to rid their homes of lead, which was banned from being used in paint in the 1970s.

Jon Gant, director of the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, said the monetary assistance will help bring the total elimination of lead from homes closer to a reality.

"Now is the time to focus on reaching the finish line," Gant said. "We look forward to communities applying for these grants so that they can help make older housing safer and healthier for children."

While lead poses a danger to all people, it's particularly hazardous to children. The Environmental Protection Agency says lead can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and even death.

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