Children’s Lead Screening and Abatement

Children’s Lead Screening and Abatement

Research has shown lead poisoning can seriously harm a child’s health and cause adverse effects such as brain damage and behavioral and learning problems, which can lead to poor school outcomes and an increased risk for dropping out of school and becoming involved in criminal activity.  The Lead-Free Promise Project is a coalition of more than 30 organizations working to end lead paint poisoning in Pennsylvania.

Policy Priorities

  • Get lead out of homes.
  • Guarantee all children get tested twice for lead at ages one and two.
  • Ensure all poisoned children are referred to Early Intervention services.

 

Fast Facts

  • Nearly 7,000 children in Pennsylvania are poisoned by lead every year.
  • Approximately, only 18% of children are tested for lead exposure in Pennsylvania each year.
  • Black children are 4x more likely to be harmed by lead exposure than White children, and Hispanic children are 2x more likely.
  • 70% of Pennsylvania homes are were built more than 40 years ago, which was prior to the federal government banning lead-based paint for use in homes.