BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- It's a problem that continues to pose challenges for Broome County families.

Hundreds of homes in region contain hazardous levels of lead that could pose drastic health concerns for children.

Last year in fact, more than 100 were found with elevated levels in their blood, with about one-third of kids had double the usual amount.

Unfortunately for these families, removing lead isn't a quick fix.

"A lot of this work can be difficult physically or just based on it needs specialized equipment, etcetera," said Broome County Environmental Health Director Joshua Phelps.

Families, especially with lower incomes, typically rely on the health department to help them remove the lead.

On Thursday, Broome County was awarded four point $1 million to assist in the fight. They'll use the funding to tackle the issue in more than 160 homes in the county.

"Honestly it's huge, just because we have a lot of lower income landlords and property owners and things like that and this program really helps them mitigate the health issues that are in the area where they couldn’t necessarily do themselves," said Phelps.

Lead exposure in children can lead to anything from headaches and abdominal pain to behavioral issues and developmental disabilities. That's why health experts say it's important to get your homes tested sooner, rather than later.

"Every home we do is one more than doesn’t have windows with lead paint on it that's creating an issue so slowly but surely we're chipping away at the lead paint in the area," said Phelps.

Syracuse and Utica were awarded similar funding to fight the issue.

If you have a home that you believe may have hazardous lead levels, you're asked to call the Broome County Health Department at 607-778-2847.

Cases will be accepted based on income.