Take Action in Your Home

Information for homeowners, tenants and landlords

Keep Homes Clean & Dust Free

Lead dust can accumulate on surfaces inside a home, which can expose children to unsafe levels of lead. Lead-safe Cleaning are strategies to decrease or eliminate lead dust when a hazard has been identified, in a manner safe to humans and animals. Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans and is most commonly ingested by children in the form of dust or paint chips. When a lead hazard is identified, it is important to clean in a way that will limit the spread of lead dust in the air and on surfaces.

Getting started with lead-safe cleaning:

  1. Identify the locations to be cleaned and gather proper supplies.

  2. Remove children and pregnant women from the area.

  3. Vacuum any loose paint chips or debris on horizontal surfaces

  4. Dampen and wipe any area that is being cleaned to reduce airborne dust.

  5. Frequently change disposable cleaning supplies and dispose discard  in a trash bag.

  6. Wash hands and clothing thoroughly following cleanup. 

Contact Us

Development Services

📞(574) 522-4855

📍201 S. 2nd St. Elkhart, IN 46516

Mailing Address: 229 S. 2nd St. Elkhart, IN 46516


Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 AM - 5 PM EST


Mary Kaczka, Assistant Director of Community Development 
Mary.Kaczka@coei.org 

Dana Donald, Community Development Specialist 
Dana.Donald@coei.org 

Trina Harris, Community Development Specialist 
Trina.Harris@coei.org 

Hollie Carlson, Lead Capacity Building Program Manager 
Hollie.Carlson@cityofelkhartin.gov