A program in Orange County is helping homeowners get rid of lead in their homes for free.

While lead paint hasn't been used since 1978, experts say lead dust from decades-old coats of paint is still putting kids at risk.

John Ebert is with Orange County Community Development, the group helping rid homeowners of lead. Ebert says it’s especially important with children under 6 that lead dust be eliminated.

The program has fixed hundreds of homes with millions in federal grant money since 2006. Officials say the lead remediation program has helped lower average lead levels in children countywide over the past decade.

Despite the efforts, officials say hundreds of homes in Newburgh could still have lead.

Additional funds are expected to be available to homeowners next year as efforts to keep kids safe from lead continue.