Cleveland tackles lead poisoning crisis with new certification push

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges and progress related to lead safety certifications for rental properties in Cleveland. Currently, approximately 33,000 units have received lead-safe certifications, a figure that officials noted is significantly higher than in many peer cities but still inadequate given the scale of the lead poisoning issue in the community.

Council members expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the lead certification program, particularly in light of recent data indicating that 11 out of nearly 1,500 children with elevated blood lead levels lived in certified lead-safe units. This raised alarms about the reliability of the certification process, prompting discussions about potential legislative changes to improve the system.

The meeting highlighted the existence of a \"shadow inventory\" of rental properties—estimated at around 100,000—that have not registered for lead safety inspections. Officials emphasized the need to address these unregistered properties, particularly as they may house vulnerable populations, including children.

A new online portal is set to launch, allowing residents to access information about lead-safe certifications in their neighborhoods, which officials hope will enhance transparency and accountability. The conversation also touched on the historical context of lead safety regulations, noting that the standards for acceptable blood lead levels have evolved significantly since the 1970s, with current guidelines indicating that no level of lead is considered safe.

Council members expressed frustration over the slow progress in addressing lead hazards in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned. They called for more aggressive actions to ensure compliance and protect public health, particularly for children who are disproportionately affected by lead exposure.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from officials to continue refining the lead certification process and to explore new strategies for enforcement against non-compliant landlords, including civil penalties that could be added to property tax bills. The ongoing dialogue reflects a growing urgency to tackle lead poisoning as a public health crisis in Cleveland.