Article Summary –
Eight Pennsylvania communities will receive approximately $43 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address lead exposure in homes, particularly those built before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint. The funding aims to eliminate lead hazards that pose significant health risks to children, such as intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders, as well as to increase lead screening and education efforts. Despite past efforts and grants for lead removal, substantial work remains, with ongoing advocacy for mandatory lead testing for all children statewide to prevent further exposure.
Eight Pennsylvania communities will receive approximately $43 million in federal funding to combat lead exposure, a known source of serious health issues in children due to the state’s aging housing stock.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced on Oct. 8 that Allegheny County, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie will share about $43 million. These funds aim to eliminate lead hazards in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was federally banned.
Local officials and advocates working with families affected by lead poisoning welcomed the aid, emphasizing the ongoing fight against this toxic metal formerly prevalent in paint and plumbing. Lead poisoning can cause health issues like anemia, kidney, and brain damage, and even death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (source).
The World Health Organization reports that severe lead poisoning may result in permanent intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders. The National Center for Healthy Housing highlights effects like reduced IQ and increased antisocial behavior.
In 2022, 7,332 Pennsylvania children under six tested positive for what the CDC defines as elevated blood lead levels, per the state Department of Health. The Lead-Free Promise Project noted that the actual number might be higher since only 18% of children are tested annually.
Deputy Press Secretary Neil Ruhland, from the state Department of Health, stated lead-based paint remains a major lead exposure source, especially in older homes. The HUD funds will enable counties and cities to remove lead-based paint safely and educate families on testing and support. This funding aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to address lead hazards nationally.
Janet Panning, a consultant at the Lead-Free Promise Project, emphasized creating lead-free environments for children rather than reacting to poisonings. Pennsylvania’s significant stock of pre-1950 homes complicates addressing lead exposure, as noted in the 2022 Childhood Lead Surveillance Annual Report.
Lauren Connelly, Allegheny County’s economic development director, mentioned the county plans to inspect at least 180 units over four years, with 175 to be made lead-safe. The county previously received $5.6 million in 2020, now increased to $7.75 million, aiding efforts as 75% of its housing predates 1978.
Aaron Snippert, executive director of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie, said the $4.7 million grant will tackle lead in 145 Erie County units. Since 2003, lead remediation has been done in about 1,500 homes in the county through federal grants, yet many more await action.
Snippert stressed the ongoing need for funding, estimating lead remediation won’t be complete in his lifetime, despite federal and state grants being utilized. City workers actively engage with communities in older homes to ensure safety from lead.
Advocates urge statewide lead testing, as often lead-poisoned children show no immediate symptoms. Currently, only Philadelphia and Allegheny counties mandate testing. Legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate and House to require blood screening for lead by age 2 is under review, having passed a Senate committee in June 2023.
Panning reiterated the importance of early testing to prevent further lead exposure in children, aiming for timely intervention.
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