HEPA Vacuum Loaner Program

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Lead Licensure and Accreditation Program received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to purchase and supply specialized vacuums for lead cleanup in residences. These vacuums are on loan to local health departments and organizations throughout the state. Residents may borrow these vacuum cleaners to assist in cleaning their homes and apartments of lead dust and the hazards associated with lead-based paint. A DVD demonstrating the operation of the vacuum is provided to residents with each loaned vacuum.

What is a HEPA vacuum?

A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum is a completely sealed vacuum that contains a specialized filter designed to trap virtually all of the lead dust. This prevents small particles of lead from being blown throughout the room in the exhaust of the vacuum.

Never use a home vacuum cleaner to clean up lead hazards, even if it is advertised as having a HEPA filter. It is important to use a professional-grade HEPA vacuum for lead hazards, because these vacuums are specially sealed to ensure that no lead dust escapes into the room.

Contact Information

Please click the "Download" link on this page to access a PDF with contact information for organizations across the state that are participating in this program. For general information about the program, please call the ODH Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (614) 466-1450.