The Burlington Lead Program, also known as the CEDO Lead Program, helps protect families from lead exposure in older homes across Burlington and Winooski. The program is managed by the City of Burlington’s Community & Economic Development Office and focuses on reducing lead-based paint hazards, improving home safety, and educating residents about lead poisoning prevention.
Lead exposure is still a serious health concern, especially in homes built before 1978. Many older properties may contain lead-based paint, which can become dangerous when it peels, chips, turns into dust, or is disturbed during renovation work.
What Is the Burlington Lead Program?
The Burlington Lead Program is a local housing safety initiative created to reduce lead hazards in residential properties. It works with homeowners, landlords, and tenants to identify lead risks and complete improvements that make homes safer for families.
The program provides lead safety education, property assessments, healthy home guidance, and lead hazard reduction support. For many eligible residents, these services may be available with no out-of-pocket costs.
Why Lead Safety Matters in Burlington Homes
Many homes in Burlington and nearby communities were built before modern lead paint restrictions. Because of that, older painted surfaces may still contain lead, especially around windows, doors, trim, porches, and exterior siding.
When old paint breaks down, it can create lead dust. This dust may settle on floors, toys, furniture, and windowsills, where children can accidentally ingest or inhale it.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead is toxic and can harm people of all ages, but young children and pregnant women face the greatest risks. Children’s bodies absorb lead more easily, and even low levels of exposure can affect learning, behavior, attention, and development.
Because lead poisoning can happen silently, prevention is extremely important. The Burlington Lead Program focuses on reducing hazards before families experience long-term health effects.
Homes Built Before 1978 May Be at Risk
If a home or rental property was built before 1978, there is a stronger chance that it may contain lead-based paint. Before that year, lead was commonly used in residential paint because it helped paint last longer and resist moisture.
The risk increases when paint begins to deteriorate or when renovation work disturbs painted surfaces. Sanding, scraping, drilling, and demolition can release lead dust into the air and spread it throughout the home.
History of the CEDO Lead Program
The CEDO Lead Program began in 2003 after receiving its first Lead Hazard Control Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Since then, it has helped many households reduce lead risks and improve housing safety.
Through federal funding and local support, the program has become an important resource for families living in older homes. Its work supports healthier housing conditions across Burlington and Winooski.
Funding Available for Lead Hazard Reduction
The Burlington Lead Program currently has $2,900,000 available to reduce lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978. This funding helps cover inspections, repairs, and safety improvements for eligible properties.
The work may include repairing deteriorated paint, replacing unsafe surfaces, addressing lead dust hazards, and completing other improvements that reduce exposure risks inside and around the home.
100 Percent Forgivable Funding
One of the biggest benefits of the Burlington Lead Program is that lead hazard reduction funding can be 100 percent forgivable when participants meet program requirements.
This means eligible homeowners and landlords may receive important lead safety improvements without long-term repayment obligations. For many families, this removes a major financial barrier to creating a safer home.
Healthy Home Assessments
The program also offers Healthy Home Assessments. These assessments look beyond lead paint and examine other housing conditions that may affect the health and safety of residents.
A healthy home review may identify problems such as moisture, poor ventilation, pests, indoor air quality concerns, and other safety issues. Addressing these problems can help families create a cleaner and healthier living environment.
Education and Community Outreach
Education is a major part of the Burlington Lead Program. Many residents do not know where lead hazards are commonly found or how everyday home repairs can increase exposure risks.
The program provides guidance, outreach, and practical information to help residents recognize warning signs, avoid unsafe renovation practices, and reduce lead dust in older homes.
Free Services for Burlington and Winooski Residents
The Burlington Lead Program offers several free services for residents of Burlington and Winooski. Some services may be available even if a resident is not enrolled in the full lead hazard reduction program.
These services may include lead safety education, housing inspections, healthy home information, lead hazard prevention guidance, and support for understanding safer home maintenance practices.
No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Many Participants
For many eligible households, lead hazard reduction work can be completed with no out-of-pocket expenses. Federal funding helps pay for many costs related to inspections, repairs, and hazard control work.
Eligibility may depend on property type, income, occupancy, location, and program requirements. Homeowners, landlords, and tenants should contact the program directly to learn what support may be available.
How the Program Helps Homeowners
Homeowners with older properties may not realize that lead hazards are present until paint begins to deteriorate or renovation work starts. The Burlington Lead Program helps homeowners identify these risks and take practical steps to reduce them.
By participating in the program, homeowners can protect their families, improve property safety, and reduce the chance of future lead exposure. The available funding can make these improvements much easier to afford.
How the Program Helps Landlords
Landlords are responsible for providing safe housing for tenants. In older rental properties, lead-based paint hazards can become a serious issue if painted surfaces are damaged or poorly maintained.
The Burlington Lead Program helps landlords inspect properties, address hazards, and improve rental housing safety. These improvements can protect tenants while also supporting long-term property maintenance.
How the Program Helps Tenants
Tenants may live with lead hazards without knowing where the risks are coming from. Peeling paint, dusty windowsills, and unsafe repair work can all increase the possibility of exposure.
The program helps tenants understand potential risks and access support. This is especially important for families with young children, who are most vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Protecting Children From Lead Poisoning
Children are the main focus of lead poisoning prevention because lead can affect brain development, learning ability, and behavior. The effects may last for years if exposure is not prevented early.
The Burlington Lead Program helps protect children by identifying hazards, supporting repairs, and educating families about lead-safe practices. These steps reduce exposure before it causes serious harm.
Safe Renovation in Older Homes
Renovation work in older homes must be handled carefully. Sanding, scraping, drilling, and demolition can disturb lead-based paint and spread harmful dust throughout the property.
The program encourages lead-safe repair and maintenance practices. Proper containment, safe cleanup, and professional guidance can make a major difference when working on homes built before 1978.
How to Get Started With the Burlington Lead Program
Residents living in homes built before 1978 may be eligible for assistance through the Burlington Lead Program. Taking action early can help protect children, tenants, homeowners, and the wider community from lead exposure.
The first step is to contact the program, ask about eligibility, and discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate. Program staff can explain available services and guide residents through the process.
Burlington Lead Program Contact Information
Residents interested in lead hazard reduction, healthy home assessments, or lead safety education can contact the Burlington Lead Program by calling 865-5323.
Calling the program is a practical step for homeowners, landlords, and tenants who want to understand whether their property may qualify for lead safety assistance.
A Local Commitment to Safer Homes
The Burlington Lead Program reflects a strong local commitment to safer housing and healthier communities. By combining funding, education, inspections, and home improvements, the program helps reduce environmental health risks in older homes.
Its work is especially important in Burlington and Winooski, where older housing may still contain lead-based paint. By addressing hazards before they harm families, the program supports safer homes and stronger neighborhoods.
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Conclusion
The Burlington Lead Program plays an important role in protecting families from lead exposure in older homes. Through education, inspections, healthy home assessments, and lead hazard reduction work, the program helps create safer living environments in Burlington and Winooski.
With significant funding available and many services offered at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible participants, the program removes barriers that may prevent families from addressing lead hazards. Its work supports healthier homes, safer children, and stronger communities.
FAQs
What is the Burlington Lead Program?
The Burlington Lead Program, also known as the CEDO Lead Program, is a housing safety initiative that helps reduce lead-based paint hazards in older homes in Burlington and Winooski.
Who can apply for the Burlington Lead Program?
Homeowners, landlords, and tenants in Burlington and Winooski may be eligible, especially if the home was built before 1978 and may contain lead-based paint hazards.
Why are homes built before 1978 at risk?
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint because lead was commonly used in residential paint before it was restricted for household use.
Does the program offer free services?
Yes, the program offers several free services, including lead safety education, housing assessments, and guidance. Many eligible participants may receive lead hazard reduction work with no out-of-pocket costs.
How can residents contact the Burlington Lead Program?
Residents can contact the Burlington Lead Program by calling 865-5323 to ask about eligibility, inspections, healthy home assessments, and lead hazard reduction support.