PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence has received a $6.5 million federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program grant, according to the office of Mayor Brett P. Smiley. The grant will go toward comprehensive lead hazard reduction efforts in older Providence homes. Many homes in Providence were built before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint, according to Smiley’s office. The grant will be used to provide free lead paint inspections at eligible homes, address “healthy housing” repairs related to mold or asbestos and to sponsor free Lead Worker trainings and certifications for approximately 100 city residents. “There is no amount of lead exposure that is safe, and this federal funding will help Rhode Islanders remove lead from their homes to keep children and families safe and healthy,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner.  Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island