As a Chicago renter and Public Health student, I care deeply about whether the places people call home are truly safe. Housing is a basic need, and no one should unknowingly face permanent health risks simply because of where they live.

Lead exposure is entirely preventable, yet it continues to affect children and renters across Chicago. 80% of the housing units in the city were built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned, and aging paint remains one of the primary sources of exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that no safe blood lead level exists for children, and even low levels can cause irreversible damage to brain development, learning ability, and behavior. Still, about 121,000 Chicago children under age 6 are estimated to be exposed to lead-contaminated drinking water.

In Chicago, older rental housing remains a leading risk factor for exposure.

Young adults and college students entering the housing market often face limited budgets and few options. Many of us accept older apartments because they are affordable or close to school or work, assuming basic environmental safety standards have already been verified. In reality, proactive testing is not always required before leasing. Current policies often place the responsibility on landlords to address hazards when identified, but inspections frequently occur only after exposure is suspected or reported. This reactive approach leaves renters without clear information at the time they sign a lease.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago can do better. As Mayor, he has the executive authority to direct city housing safety requirements.

We call on Mayor Brandon Johnson to require Lead-Safe Certification for all pre-1978 rental units before lease signing or renewal. If action is delayed, preventable exposure will continue harming children and renters across the city. Property owners should be required to verify inspection and mitigation of lead hazards in accordance with public health standards prior to occupancy.

Preventing exposure protects children, reduces long-term healthcare costs, and strengthens neighborhood stability. A phased rollout paired with city assistance programs can support compliance while prioritizing safety. Housing should not place residents at risk of permanent harm. Chicago renters deserve transparency and protection before exposure occurs — not after.