Lead testing, abatement grant extended for Tuscaloosa residents
Families living in Tuscaloosa who have young children may qualify for lead testing and funding for getting rid of lead hazards in their homes.
Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes until it was banned from residential use in the 1970s, but it’s still present in millions of homes. If it’s been painted over, it’s usually not a problem, but deteriorating paint can be a hazard.
Lead is a toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When it’s absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Tuscaloosa’s Lead Hazard Abatement Program offers free assistance for homeowners, landlords and tenants who are looking for answers regarding their home’s potential lead status alongside help ensuring the metal won’t hurt them.
The current grant period has been extended through June 2024, and the program’s goal is to identify and remediate lead-based paint hazards in 200 homes built before 1978 within the city of Tuscaloosa. Testing and abatement will be prioritized for homes occupied by a child younger than 6.
Program Eligibility 
- The unit must be located within the city of Tuscaloosa
- The unit must have been built before 1978
- Owner-occupied units must have one of the following:
- a child under the age of 6 who resides in the unit
- a child under the age of 6 who spends a “significant amount of time” in the unit
- a pregnant woman who resides in the unit
- Landlords must agree to give priority to lower income families with young children when renting for three years following the completion of lead abatement activities.
- Total household income must be below 80% of area median income for homeowners and below 50% of area median income for renters
Once applicants are approved, children younger than 6 who live in a home can get a free lead blood test.
Households who qualify may receive lead-based paint remediation including replacing wooden windows with new vinyl windows, vinyl siding and aluminum trim, covering porch floors and ceilings and fresh paint.
Wanna see if you qualify? Check right here.
Wanna learn more about the program? Click right here.
