Roanoke, Virginia, has just received a major boost in its fight against lead paint hazards. The city secured $6.25 million in federal funding to help remove lead from some of its oldest homes — a move that could protect families and children from a well-known health threat hiding in plain sight.
The grant targets homes built before 1978, the year the federal government banned lead-based paint for residential use. Homes constructed before that cutoff often contain layers of lead paint on walls, windows, doors, and trim. When that paint chips, peels, or gets disturbed during renovation, it can release dangerous lead dust into the home.
For Roanoke homeowners, especially those in the city's older neighborhoods, this funding could mean free or low-cost help to make their homes safer. But the program will not reach every home — and many homeowners across Virginia and the nation face the same lead risks without access to similar grants.
Not sure if your home is affected? The DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit gives you certified, accredited-lab results in days — no inspector needed. Simple DIY sampling, mailed to a lab, clear results you can trust.
Shop the kit — $35Why Pre-1978 Homes Are at Risk
Lead paint was a popular choice for decades because it was durable and resisted moisture. Builders used it on interior and exterior surfaces throughout homes. But we now know that lead exposure — especially for young children — can cause serious health problems.
According to the EPA, lead exposure in children can affect brain development, leading to learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and other long-term effects. Adults can also suffer health consequences from lead exposure. The danger comes not from intact paint, but from paint that is chipping, peeling, or being disturbed by sanding, scraping, or renovation work.
Homes built before 1978 are the primary concern. The older the home, the more likely it is to have multiple layers of lead paint beneath newer coatings. In cities like Roanoke with significant historic housing stock, many homes fall into this high-risk category.
What the Roanoke Grant Will Cover
The $6.25 million in federal funding will help eligible homeowners in Roanoke address lead hazards in their properties. These programs typically cover:
- Lead inspections and risk assessments to identify where lead paint exists
- Professional lead abatement to safely remove or encapsulate lead paint
- Window and door replacement — common sources of lead dust from friction
- Post-remediation testing to confirm the home is safe
Eligibility often depends on factors like household income, the presence of young children, and whether the home was built before 1978. Homeowners interested in the program should contact their local housing authority or health department for details.
What If You Are Not Eligible for the Grant?
Federal lead remediation grants cannot reach every home. If you own a pre-1978 home in Roanoke — or anywhere else in the country — and you are not eligible for assistance, the first step is to find out whether lead paint is actually present.
Many homeowners assume their homes are safe because they have been repainted over the years. But lead paint can lurk beneath layers of newer paint, becoming a hazard the moment you decide to renovate, repair a window, or scrape a peeling door frame.
Professional lead inspections can cost several hundred dollars. A simpler first step is to collect a small paint chip sample from a suspect surface and send it to a certified lab for analysis. This approach gives you clear answers without the expense of a full inspection.
Planning a Renovation? Test First
The EPA requires contractors working on pre-1978 homes to follow specific lead-safe work practices under the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. But homeowners doing their own work are not covered by these regulations — and may unknowingly create lead dust hazards in their homes.
Before you sand, scrape, or demolish any painted surface in an older home, it makes sense to know what you are dealing with. A simple paint chip test can tell you whether lead is present so you can take the right precautions or hire a certified lead-safe contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has lead paint?
The most reliable way is to test it. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, especially on windows, doors, trim, and exterior surfaces. You can collect a paint chip sample and send it to a certified lab for analysis to get a definitive answer.
Is lead paint dangerous if it is not peeling?
Intact lead paint in good condition is generally not an immediate hazard. The danger arises when paint chips, peels, chalks, or gets disturbed by renovation, sanding, or friction on surfaces like windows and doors. Even small amounts of lead dust can be harmful, especially to young children.
Can I remove lead paint myself?
While homeowners are legally allowed to work on their own homes, lead paint removal requires careful safety precautions to avoid spreading lead dust. The EPA recommends hiring a certified lead-safe contractor for significant projects. At minimum, you should test for lead first and follow lead-safe work practices if lead is present.
If you live in a pre-1978 home and want to know whether lead paint is present, the MycoTest DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit makes it easy to find out. Collect a small sample, mail it to the lab, and receive certified results you can trust — all for $35 and without scheduling an inspector.
Related reading
- Lead Dust from Renovation: How to Protect Your Family
- Why EPA Lead-Safe Certification Matters for Your Home Renovation
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. MycoTest DIY kits are screening tools. For confirmed contamination, consult a certified environmental professional.