Skip to main content
An official website of Hennepin County, Minnesota
Hennepin county

Preventing lead exposure, one home at a time

man at door talking to a couple

Lead exposure is still an issue that impacts families in Hennepin County.

Every year, more than 100 children in the county are found to have high blood lead levels, high enough to damage their health. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for young children and can lead to brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth and development, and learning and behavior problems.

Even though the government banned lead paint in 1978, houses built before then may contain lead. Aside from home renovation projects, a common cause of lead exposure comes from accumulated dust, especially in and around old windows — peeling and chipping windows are one of the biggest culprits.

That’s why it’s important to get your home tested and, if necessary, make some changes.

“There are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our families from lead exposure,” says Eliza Schell, senior planning analyst with the Hennepin County lead team. “Information is key to providing a safe and healthy home.”

5,000 homes and counting

Hennepin County has a dedicated program that raises awareness about possible exposures to lead in our homes, tests for lead, and offers grants to complete lead removal projects. In the past 20 years, the county has completed 5,864 lead removal home projects, which include new windows, paint, flooring, and other measures that protect the families living in those homes from lead poisoning.

“This is about preventing lead exposure, but it’s also about preserving whole neighborhoods,” says Michael Jensen, Housing Program Manager at Hennepin County. “We’re helping to make these homes safe and livable for future generations.”

Learn if you qualify for Hennepin County’s lead removal grants

Homeowners and landlords may be eligible for help to detect and remove lead paint including:

  • A free home test
  • Up to $15,000 for work, including new windows

You may also be eligible for our home repair program, which helps families address health and safety hazards like radon and mold.

Visit our lead poisoning prevention webpage for more information and fill out the eligibility screening intake form to see if you qualify.