Even though the hazards of lead have resulted in years of education and remediation, cities with homes built before 1978 were commonly painted with lead paint.
Leaded gas in the 1970s also had an effect that is still causing illness, particularly in young children.
With a significant amount of homes in the city of Battle Creek built before 1978, the lead remediation effort has been ongoing – and particularly difficult if a family can’t afford to do so.
Battle Creek Community Development Director Helen Guzzo tells Community Matters about a $1.5 million state grant which provides a way for low-income homeowners to, quite literally, get the lead out.
Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek Lead Safe Program
Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Homes
City of Battle Creek Minor Home Repair Program
City of Battle Creek Community Development
Community Action Battle Creek
ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS
Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.
Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.
