Phoenix residents are encouraged to take advantage of the city's free, portable vacuum cleaners with special filters designed to remove lead particles in dust, paint and other home surfaces.

Many homes built before 1978 are at risk of containing lead based paint, so residents are urged to conduct a thorough clean up after any remodeling or construction.

The Neighborhood Services Department recently obtained three HEPA Vacs through its Lead Hazard Control Program. There are no income requirements, and residents can borrow the devices for up to a week, depending on demand.

"The only cost to Phoenix residents to use these devices is the desire to eliminate lead hazards from their homes and ultimately provide a safe, healthy environment for their family and friends," said Jerome Miller, Neighborhood Services director.

More than 1,000 homes have been remediated from lead hazards since the lead program was launched in 1996. The program aims at preventing childhood lead poisoning.

For more information on the program, call 602-495-0700 or visit phoenix.gov/nsd.