HHLHPP 1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 330 Topeka, Kansas 66612-1274 (866)-UNLEADEDKS or (866)-865-3233 FAX: (785) 296-5594 Email:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) established the Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program (HHLHPP) to respond to concerns about lead and its effect on the health of Kansans, most notably our children.  Lead is common in our environment and many individuals, especially children, show no outward signs of lead poisoning.  The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states lead poisoning is one of today's major preventable environmental health problems.  Blood lead levels (BLLs) as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) are associated with harmful effects on children's learning and behavior.  BLLs as high as 70 ug/dL can cause seizures, coma, and death.

The mission of the Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program is to establish an infrastructure of trained personnel to screen, identify and recommend proper medical and environmental management of lead-poisoned children.  The most common cause of childhood lead poisoning today is the deterioration or disruption of a lead paint surface of a home.

Kansas Statues Annotated (KSA) 65-1,200 authorizes the Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program.  Key provisions of the law give the Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the authority to establish and administer the following activities:

• Develop and maintain an elevated blood level database and medical surveillance program.
• Track incident of lead poisoning across the state.
• Administer a certification, licensure, accreditation and enforcement program for individuals and firms involved in lead-based paint activities and abatement projects.
• Administer a Pre-Renovation Education Program to educate the public and remodeling industry on lead hazards.
• Promote a public awareness campaign to increase knowledge about childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies.
• Increase professional education opportunities regarding childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies.
• Provide equipment support and training to local health departments to conduct blood lead screening activities, environmental assessments and follow-up.

The HHLHPP is funded by cooperative agreements from US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and fees from the certification and licensure of individuals and firms.