Lead Resources

Health Department Services

For families who have a child under 6 years old with a confirmed elevated blood lead level (see our Blood Lead Level Testing page for more info), we offer the following through our Housing & Community Environment Program.

Phone Education

The ACHD will work with you to learn how to identify sources of lead in the home, how to reduce your child’s exposure, and other ways to help keep your child safe from lead. Anyone in Allegheny County who has a child under 6 with a confirmed elevated blood lead level is eligible for this service, just call the Housing & Community Environment Program at 412-350-4046.

Home Lead Inspections

If your child’s blood lead level is over 3.5 µg/dL, you can schedule a free home lead inspection. Inspectors will test painted surfaces, water, dust, and soil for the presence of lead. You will receive a report with test results, recommendations, and other advice.

If your child has a blood lead level above 3.5 µg/dL, we encourage you to call the Housing & Community Environment Program at 412-350-4046 for education, referrals, and advice on how to reduce your child’s exposure.

Resources for Home Testing and Repairs

If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead paint. This means that any repairs or renovations should be done by an EPA-certified professional using lead-safe practices. For rental properties, this is required by law (see the Lead Information for Landlord and Renters page for more info). 

Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program (from Allegheny County Economic Development)

The Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program provides free home repairs to keep families safe from lead paint.

The following services are provided free of charge to eligible families:

  • Lead paint testing throughout your home
  • Home repairs to address all lead hazards
  • Lead safety education

To be eligible, families must:

  • Be homeowners or renters in Allegheny County
  • Live in a home built before 1978
  • Have a child under 6 who lives in or regularly visits the home OR a pregnant woman who lives in the home
  • Meet applicable income limits

For more information call 412-227-5700 or visit the Allegheny Lead Safe Homes webpage.

Find a Lead Professional (Inspector, Risk Assessor, or Contractor)

Hire an EPA certified inspector, risk assessor, or contractor.

To locate a local certified renovator or contractor, visit the EPA website or the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website.

Always check with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to confirm the certification status for any lead professional you consider hiring. Visit their Lead Occupations page (look for the subject heading “H. Individuals Certified in Lead-Based Paint Occupations").

Resources for Water Testing and Lead Line Replacement

Test Your Water

Residents that are PWSA customers can call PWSA 412-255-2423 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday or email servicelines@pgh2o.com with their name, address, and phone number to request a test kit.

Those who are not PWSA customers should call their water provider to inquire about testing for lead.

If there is lead in water, consider replacing the lead service line.

  • Coordinate lead service line replacement with PWSA or water provider.
  • The ACHD does not recommend doing a partial lead line replacement. When lead service lines are disturbed but not replaced, they can release lead for weeks or months after the disturbance. For more information on service lines, please see our prevention page. If you are looking to replace your entire lead service line, you should coordinate both the public and private lead line replacement with the PWSA.
  • Contact the Lead Help Desk at 412-255-8987 or visit the PWSA website

Get a Water Filter

NSF certified water pitchers and filters remove lead from water. Look for a pitcher or filter that specifically says it removes lead on the box or label.

For those in the PWSA service area, contact Women for a Healthy Environment 412-404-2872 to get a filter for free. Priority is given to pregnant people and households with a child under 6 years old.

Filters that remove lead can be purchased online or at your local hardware store for about $25. Make sure it is NSF certified to remove lead. Keep in mind that filter cartridges need to be replaced frequently.

Water Filters

NSF-certified water pitchers and filters remove lead from water. Check the box or label to make sure it specifically says “NSF Certified” and that it mentions removing lead.

Remember that filter cartridges need to be changed regularly for the filter to work.

For those in the PWSA service area, contact Women for a Healthy Environment 412-404-2872 to get a filter for free. Priority is given to pregnant people and households with a child under 6 years old. Other water providers may have similar programs.

Soil Testing

Below are some resources to get soil tested. Please note: these organizations are not affiliated with the Allegheny County Health Department.

The lab will explain how to interpret your results. Make sure to read any information the lab sends with your results. 

Early Intervention

Children 0-3 years old with a confirmed blood lead level of ≥3.5μg/dL qualify for Early Intervention services. For more information, contact the Alliance for Infants & Toddlers by calling 412-885-6000.

For children 3-5 years old, contact the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, DART program by calling 412-394-5904.

Printable Resources

Lead Paint Safety: A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and Renovation Work (Note: This guide is from 2001. The general information is still accurate, but standards for lead dust have changed. Current guidelines consider anything above 10 µg/ft² on the floor and 100 µg/ft² on window sills to be hazardous. It is important to remember that there is no truly safe level of lead.)