Lead Paint Found In East Chicago Emergency Housing

Lead paint was discovered outside emergency housing units in East Chicago, Indiana. The units are being held for residents of the lead contaminated West Calumet Housing Complex.

Through a public records request, The Times of Northwest Indiana found evidence of lead paint on the exterior of nearly half of the 27 units.

The East Chicago Housing Authority says the paint hazards have been cleaned up and that the units are in compliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development standards.

But the Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law, which represents some West Calumet residents, says the documents show “widespread noncompliance” with HUD regulations.

According to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, 17 West Calumet families have moved into emergency transfer units.