P.A. 95-0492 CLEAR-WIN ($5m appropriation) Comprehensive Lead Elimination and Reduction—through Window Replacement
The Facts:
→ Illinois leads the nation in the number of children identified as lead poisoned. The Illinois Department of Public Health estimates that over 81,000 children are being harmed by lead based on recent research regarding the impact of lead on children’s development.
→ At even low and moderate levels, lead poisoning in children causes: Reduced intelligence and learning disabilities, and behavioral problems, including aggression and hyperactivity. Recent research suggests that lead exposure is associated with a greater likelihood of delinquency and criminal behavior.
→ Even though lead paint was banned in 1978, children – especially those in poor communities – are primarily poisoned in their own homes due to chipping and peeling lead paint that has not been abated or maintained. Windows in old housing units are the most significant source of lead hazards. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, almost seven percent of all housing units in Illinois – 210,00 –put children at high risk for lead poisoning.
P.A. 95-0492: The CLEAR-WIN Program:
Supports the efforts of small business and property owners committed to maintaining lead-safe housing and prevents children from suffering the damage caused by lead poisoning; assists in maintaining affordable housing stock through grants and loans for lead hazard removal through window replacement. The CLEAR-WIN program:
√ Establishes a window replacement pilot program for low-income properties (both owner occupied and rental) in order to address the lead hazards in housing units.
√ Finances property owners through loans and grants for the lead hazard reduction work/window replacement.
√ Trains and prepares individuals for job readiness in lead-safe work practices as well as in carpentry skills in order to be able to replace windows and remediate lead hazards.
√ Creates jobs for community members to install windows and do accompanying carpentry work.
√ Creates market opportunities for Illinois window manufacturers and assemblers.
√ Creates more remodeling and renovation activities, which in turn stimulates local economies.
For more information, contact Lead Safe Illinois, 25 E. Pearson, Suite 1107 Chicago, Illinois 60611 312-915-6481
