Resources

Get Your Home Tested

If you think there might be lead in your house, the most important step you can take is to check if there’s lead there.

Person on the phone
Step 1

Contact Kent County Health Department

First, if you’re worried about lead or other dangers in your environment, reach out to Kent County Health Department. For concerns not related to lead, you can contact the Healthy Homes Coalition (HHC) for help.
Call the Health Department
Person conducting a home inspection survey
Step 2

Healthy Homes Survey

Next, the Health Department or HHC will do a Healthy Homes Survey (HHS). This means they’ll check your living space to see what kind of help you might need. They look for things that could be harmful to your health and figure out the best way to fix them.
More Info on HHS
Person conducting a home inspection survey
Step 3

Lead Inspection Risk Assessment

If they find problems related to lead, they might suggest a Lead Inspection Risk Assessment (LIRA). A LIRA helps them understand how much lead is around and how it might be a risk to you and your family. They’ll test places like the paint in your home, the dust, and even the soil outside.
More Info on LIRA

Home Testing Resources

The following resources, companies and groups can test your house for lead or help you do it yourself.

Ready by Five

Home Health Screening

What It Is

A trained and certified expert will visit your house to help find any potential lead dangers and other health risks. They do this by looking around your home and taking samples from the environment. Afterward, they give you a report, suggest what steps you should take next, and guide you to resources that can help.

  • You get a free, fast check-up of your home that doesn’t mess anything up. This check looks for dangers like lead, asthma triggers, and general safety issues.
  • They also teach you for free how to get rid of these dangers and stop them from coming back.
  • If they find something risky, they offer more detailed checks to figure out why it’s happening.
  • These extra checks are either free or cost less if you meet certain income requirements.
  • If repairs are needed, they help you find ways to pay less or nothing at all for fixing the issues.
What It's For

A basic check-up for homes that have a low to medium chance of risk, aimed at figuring out which repairs are most important and should be done first.

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • There must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman.
  • Both homeowners and tenants are eligible.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up
Call the Health Department
Ready by Five

Home Health Screening

What It Is

A trained and certified expert will visit your house to help find any potential lead dangers and other health risks. They do this by looking around your home and taking samples from the environment. Afterward, they give you a report, suggest what steps you should take next, and guide you to resources that can help.

  • You get a free, fast check-up of your home that doesn’t mess anything up. This check looks for dangers like lead, asthma triggers, and general safety issues.
  • They also teach you for free how to get rid of these dangers and stop them from coming back.
  • If they find something risky, they offer more detailed checks to figure out why it’s happening.
  • These extra checks are either free or cost less if you meet certain income requirements.
  • If repairs are needed, they help you find ways to pay less or nothing at all for fixing the issues.
What It's For

A basic check-up for homes that have a low to medium chance of risk, aimed at figuring out which repairs are most important and should be done first.

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • There must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman.
  • Both homeowners and tenants are eligible.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up
Call the Health Department
Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan

Nido Healthy Homes Screenings

What It Is

A screening to help parents and others conduct a basic check for hazards in the home. The screening is designed to identify high-risk housing and connect the occupant to support and services.

What It's For

Preliminary assessment of a home to identify risk, linking those who have concerns to personalized support.

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • There must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman.
  • Both homeowners and tenants are eligible.
  • Screening may be a pre-requisite.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up
Call Healthy Homes
Email Healthy Homes
Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan

Healthy Homes Ready by Five Program

What It Is

A trained expert comes to your home and offers case management. They will walk and work alongside your family to accomplish your goals. They will also provide referrals to community resources.

What It's For

Homeowners and tenants who have a lot of questions and could use support. This is a highly relational program.

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • There must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman.
  • Both homeowners and tenants are eligible.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up
Call Healthy Homes
Email Healthy Homes
Local Contractors

Hire A Licensed Lead Paint Inspector / Risk Assessor​

What It Is

A trained expert comes to your home and helps identify potential lead hazards in the home through visual assessment and assisting the occupant with environmental sampling. They look for other health concerns as well (mold, asthma triggers, CO, fire safety, etc.). They provide reports, make recommendations for action, and navigate to resources.

What It's For

Determining if lead-based paint is present and in a hazardous condition, preparing for abatement, and assessing housing before extensive renovation.

Cost

The cost for services is set by the contractor, so you should get in touch with certified contractors to find out their latest prices.

Eligibility

Open to anyone!

How to Sign Up

Contact a local contractor directly.

Find Local Contractors
State of Michigan

Water Testing Resources

What It Is

There are many companies and organizations in the State of Michigan that provide water testing services and resources.

What It's For

Checking drinking water for lead.

Cost

Fees vary based on the company or organization that performs your water testing.

Eligibility

Open to anyone!

How to Sign Up

More information and a step-by-step guide is available on the State of Michigan’s website.

You can also find a list of Michigan laboratories that are certified for lead and copper testing.

More Information
Kent County Health Department

Lead Paint Inspection / Risk Assessment

What It Is

A trained and certified expert comes to your home and thoroughly tests all painted surfaces with XRF technology to see if they contain lead. Dust samples and soil samples are also taken in and around the home. An extensive report with results and recommendations is provided.

What It's For

Deep investigation for hazards in high-risk housing and for preparing for abatement.

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • There must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman.
  • Both homeowners and landlords are eligible.
  • KCHD limits this service to the highest-risk housing.
  • Screening may be a pre-requisite.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up

The program is available by referral only.

Call the Health Department
Kent County Community Action Department

KCLEAR Inspection

What It Is
The Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction (KCLEAR) Inspection Program provides a trained and certified expert to evaluate your home and thoroughly tests all painted surfaces with XRF technology to see if they contain lead. Dust samples and soil samples are also taken in and around the home. A Lead Inspection Risk Assessment report with results and recommendations is provided.
What It's For
To help homeowners identify possible lead hazards in their home.
Cost
This a FREE program/service that was made possible through funds allocated by the Kent County Board of Commissioners from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Eligibility
  • The property must be constructed prior to 1978.
  • The property must be in Kent County, outside of the City of Grand Rapids.
  • The property must be owner-occupied as primary residence.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up
The program application is available online
Program Application

Community Partners

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