Clark County Healthy Homes and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention work together to make (High Efficiency Particulate Air) (HEPA) filter vacuums available for county residents at no cost. Industrial HEPA vacuums are specifically designed to capture hazardous materials such as lead dust particles at 99.97% efficiency.
Cleaning of areas that may contain lead dust is important to prevent lead exposure in children. Invisible lead dust collects on windowsills, floors, toys, furniture, or even the fur of animals. From there, it can easily find its way into a child’s mouth through normal activities. Utilizing lead safe cleaning practices like vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum works to keep your home safe and healthy for your family.
The loaner program is a free service to Clark County residents, and a HEPA vacuum can be borrowed for up to three days. You must call ahead to reserve a vacuum. You must also provide a valid driver’s license or state ID and a home address (no P.O. boxes). Loaner vacuums are to be used for dry household cleaning ONLY and must be returned emptied and clean. An Ohio Department of Health video demonstrating use of a HEPA vacuum and how to clean it after use is available here.
To reserve a HEPA vacuum, contact the Clark County Combined Health District between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday: 937-390-5600.