Most Western New Yorkers think the threat of lead paint is a thing of the past.
Unfortunately, Buffalo ranks among the top 10 cities nationally for elevated blood lead levels in young children.
Buffalo is renovating more than ever before. That means it’s time for all of us—each landlord, tenant, and homeowner—to help make our community lead-safe.
Areas at Risk
Buffalo is one of the oldest and most historic housing markets in the country. If your home was built before 1978 and resides within the following zip-codes, you may be at risk for lead exposure.
Lead-safe. Sound Investment.
Making your properties lead-safe could be easier—and more affordable—than you think.
Explore what steps you need to take to get ahead of lead.
- When you own a property built before 1978 in the City of Buffalo
Complete and deliver copies of the Lead Paint Notice Form and Renovate Right Booklet to tenants. - When you sign a lease with new tenants in the City of Buffalo
Complete and deliver a copy of the Lead Disclosure Form to Tenants, and a copy of the Landlord Attestation Form to the City of Buffalo. - When you plan to renovate or paint
Complete and deliver copies of the Pre-Renovation Notification Form to tenants. - When you hire a contractor to do the work
Find a licensed contractor. - Learn everything you need to know about lead-safe work practices
Contact 716-961-7582 or email (work.leadsafe@erie.gov) to sign up for a lead-safe training and certification class.
Lead-safe living.
Exposure to lead is extremely hazardous - especially in young children. Contact your landlord if you have not received the Lead Paint Notice Form, the Lead Disclosure Form, or the Renovate Right Booklet. If you do not hear back from your landlord in 30 days, call 311 to request an inspection to make sure your home is lead-safe.
Call 311 the City of Buffalo's Call Resolution Center.Tips for keeping a house lead-safe:
- Use wet paper towels to clean up lead dust.
- Clean around windows, play areas, and floors.
- Always wash hands before eating and sleeping.
Get the lead out.
It is nearly impossible to buy a home in Buffalo that doesn’t have traces of lead paint. Making your home lead-safe is still your responsibility, but you’re not on your own.
Register today for a training course offered by the Erie County Department of Health on how to protect yourself and your family from being exposed to lead hazards.
Examples of Lead-Safe Practices
Plastic sheeting to contain contaminated dust
Wet/spray surfaces before and during any scraping or sanding (no electric tools!)
Skilled cleanup/wipe test for dust