Originally published on February 26, 2026.
Dear Reader,
Thanks to the work we are doing together, the Flint Registry continues to support public health in Flint – and beyond.
We want to share more with you about what we are learning. In this edition, we summarize information from the questions about lead you answered in our latest Flint Registry survey.
- Lead exposure is not limited to water
- Knowledge and awareness are our first defense against exposure
- Resources and trainings are available for education and assistance
1 in 5 Flint Registry members visit or live in older homes with peeling and chipping paint
Over half of Flint Registry members said they live in a home built before 1978 and 1 in 5 said they live in or regularly visit a home built before 1978 that has peeling or chipping paint. Homes built before 1978 (when the US banned lead-based paints) may contain lead-based paint. When the paint peels and cracks, it can create fine lead dust.
Participating in a lead inspection can help protect your health
Primary prevention is the removal of lead hazards from the environment before exposure occurs. It is the most effective way to ensure that children and adults do not experience harmful long-term effects of lead exposure.
Most people have not had their home inspected for lead
A majority of Flint Registry members said that they have not had their home inspected by a licensed lead inspector (about 8 out of 10 respondents) or gone through the Lead Safe Home lead abatement (lead removal) process (about 7 out of 10 respondents).
The Flint Registry has made over 35,000 referrals to services and resources with over 9,500 to lead removal programs like the MDHHS Lead Safe Home Program and the City of Flint Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
Interested in Learning More?
Resources in Genesee County include:
The Flint Lead Office
The Flint Lead Office is an initiative at the city level that provides lead abatement training, applications for household lead abatement (removal), education, and faucet replacement programs.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – MI Lead Safe
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services created the MI Lead Safe website for community testing results and identifying other possible sources of lead in your home and ways to remove it.
Michigan Saves – Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund (“Lead Fund”)
For homeowners or landlords who don’t qualify for free programs, this offers a 50/50 cost-share incentive to help pay for lead abatement projects.