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Cincinnati to implement recommendations from lead hazard study

The Cincinnati Health Department is continuing its efforts to reduce childhood lead poisoning in the city.

The Health Department presented its latest information Wednesday to Council’s Rules and Government Operations Committee.

The group heard about a recent consultant’s report to improve the program. It contains more than 30 recommendations. Dr. Camille Jones said one aspect involves the city’s law and regulations.

"Amend city ordinances to prohibit lead-based paint hazards and require all properties to be free of lead-based paint, dust and soil," Jones said. "That is the long range goal. That’s something that we would have to develop a coalition and really talk about."

Another recommendation would shorten the time frame property owners have to reduce lead hazards in homes they own.

"We have been using the 90 day time for compliance," Jones said. "That time has been dropped to 30 days. Because of the shorter time for compliance, you have more motivation by the property owners to contact the city and get things moving."

The consultant also found the health department needs an additional $250,000 of funding to increase staffing for the lead prevention program.

Cincinnati Council is asking city administrators to implement the recommendations. Council Members want a report within 60 days on how the items will be implemented and a timetable for doing them.

In the last several years, officials have been using more than $7 million in federal grant money to make nearly 400 homes in the city lead safe.

Jay Hanselman brings more than 10 years experience as a news anchor and reporter to 91.7 WVXU. He came to WVXU from WNKU, where he hosted the local broadcast of All Things Considered. Hanselman has been recognized for his reporting by the Kentucky AP Broadcasters Association, the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, and the Ohio AP Broadcasters.