Program Designed to Eliminate Exposure to Lead and Asbestos
NCDHHS, in partnership with the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and RTI International, announced that the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ program is ready to help public schools, licensed child care centers and family child care homes identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. The program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids™, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. Lead and asbestos are known health hazards with no safe level of exposure.
Mark Benton, Chief Deputy Secretary for Health at DHHS, told NCMS:
“The wellbeing of children and families is a top priority for the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Our partnership with NCDPI and RTI on “Cleaner Classrooms for NC Kids” – that identifies and eliminates lead and asbestos hazards in schools and child care centers – is key to ensuring NC’s children are able to learn and grow in safe, healthy environments.”
Public school facilities will be contacted by the NCDPI, while licensed child care centers and family child care homes will be contacted by NCDHHS’ Division of Child Development and Early Education when it is time to enroll, beginning this month. In total, $150 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding was allocated by Gov. Cooper and approved in the legislative budget.
The program funding will be available until November 30, 2026.
I hope they increase air filtration and repair leaking roofs to mitigate mold and mildew problems. Remove old carpets to decrease house dust mites and other causes of asthma and allergies. Heating and cooling with fresh air exchanges would help with respiratory infection prevention.