Hamilton County Public Health outlines free lead-hazard testing and remediation for North College Hill homes

Amanda Preslica, a supervisor at Hamilton County Public Health, told the North College Hill City Council that lead paint remains a health hazard in older homes and that the county offers a grant-funded lead-hazard reduction program for eligible households.

Preslica said the program provides free paint-chip and soil testing and can include full-home testing and paid repairs. “We offer free paint chip and soil testing,” she said, and explained the process: an application, an in-home inspection with dust and soil sampling, a contractor plan, repairs overseen by health department staff, and final visual and dust sampling before families return.

The county described the program’s local impact: in the last grant the department enrolled 15 North College Hill homes, which received roughly $277,000 in services. Preslica said the program currently has three homes enrolled and is working on a case connected to a child who tested positive for elevated lead levels.

Preslica outlined eligibility criteria: homes built before 1978 (when lead paint was banned), multifamily buildings of no more than four units, occupants or visitors under age six (including grandparents or babysitters who spend at least six hours per week), expectant mothers living in the unit, and low-to-moderate income limits (she cited about $89,000 for a family of four as a middle guideline).

She emphasized that lead exposure most commonly occurs through leaded dust created by deteriorating paint — especially on windows and doors where friction generates dust — rather than only by ingesting paint chips. “There is no safe level of lead in the body,” Preslica said, listing neurological and developmental harms to children and noting pregnancy risks.

Council members asked operational questions. Preslica said staff contact landlords to explain the program and help complete the landlord portion of applications. On relocation during repairs she said it depends on the scope of work; the federal grant can pay for temporary rental relocation in some cases, and the department seeks HUD approval for high-cost units that exceed typical grant caps. She estimated that homes typically receive about $20,000 in work on average, while some high-cost projects may require additional HUD approval.

The presentation also touched on water infrastructure: Preslica noted Greater Cincinnati Water Works is replacing lead service lines on public and private sides and maintains an online map homeowners can check to determine if their service line contains lead.

Council members requested literature and flyers for code enforcement staff and residents; Preslica said she had printed materials and offered to provide additional outreach at community events. The council thanked county staff and encouraged additional publicity and coordination with city enforcement and community partners.

Next steps included distribution of materials and follow-up contact between county staff and city code enforcement to expand enrollments in the program.