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INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library is working with the IUPUI Center for Urban Health to help those in Marion County screen for lead around their homes.

The free Lead Screening Kits can be used to screen water, paint, soil, and dust.

The Kits are available at 13 libraries across the Circle City.

Once a participant collects their samples, which only takes about 20 minutes, they can return their Kit to the library to be sent to an IUPUI lab for processing. After a few weeks, participants will get a report indicating whether or not lead is present as well as information to prevent lead exposure.

“Lead is a serious health hazard and is especially concerning for small children six and under because exposure can lead to health issues and serious neurological problems if left undetected,” said Angela Herrmann, program manager at the IUPUI Center for Urban Health. “Knowing if you have lead hazards in your home environment is an important step to mitigating this potential health risk.”

The branches offering Lead Screening Kits include:

  • Beech Grove
  • College Avenue
  • Decatur
  • East 38th Street
  • Garfield Park
  • Glendale
  • Haughville
  • Lawrence
  • Nora
  • Pike
  • Southport
  • Spades Park
  • West Perry

The Lead Screening Kits are available to four Indiana counties, including Marion County, thanks to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to the University of Notre Dame and IUPUI to broaden the Notre Dame Lead Innovation Team screening program.