Emily Scott, Producer
Monday, June 6, 2022
Advocates have launched a new push focused on getting Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass legislation that protects children from lead-paint poisoning.
The percentage of Pennsylvania kids with high lead levels is among the nation's worst, twice the national average. Part of that is connected to the state's old housing stock, with 70% of homes being built before 1978, when consumer-use of lead-based paint was banned.
Colleen McCauley, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Lead-Free Promise Project, said the campaign's main priority is getting funds that will help remove deteriorated lead paint from homes.
"The tragedy of lead-paint poisoning is that it robs kids of their intellect," said McCauley. "It can cause irreversible brain damage for kids. We have a solution. It's preventable. We're doing this because we are talking about babies."
In the short term, McCauley said the campaign is requesting $40 million in American Rescue Plan funds. Last month, state lawmakers secured $10 million to go toward lead remediation.
She said the campaign is meeting with 40 key lawmakers to talk to them about lead poisoning and seek their support on moving legislation forward. Lead remediation has strong bipartisan support with no evident or organized opposition.
An estimated 7,000 children test positive for lead every year - although that is likely a significant undercount, as the state only tests 20% of that population.
That's why state Sen. Lisa Baker - R-Luzerne - has introduced a bill that would ensure all pregnant women and children in the state receive blood tests for lead poisoning.
"Part of our bill," said Baker, "would require the Department of Health to conduct a public health information campaign to inform young parents and physicians about the testing requirements."
The public health campaign would also target homeowners and landlords. The bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously last year.
Baker said she anticipates the Senate Appropriations Committee will take up the bill as it returns to session this month.
Individual- and Community-Level Factors Associated With Detectable and Elevated Blood Lead Levels in US Children Jama/Hauptman et al 9/27/21
Senate Bill 522: An Act providing for blood lead testing of certain children... the PA Legislature 2022
get more stories like this via email
![more stories](/assets/images/more-stories.png)
Environment
Researchers mapped American croplands that have fallen out of production in hopes of inspiring new uses for them, such as renewable energy. Roughly 3…
Social Issues
The Public Children's Services Association of Ohio has launched a groundbreaking new initiative called Practice in Action Together, aimed at …
Social Issues
New polling found an overwhelming majority, 85% of Americans believe abortion access should be allowed in some situations. Two years ago in the …
Social Issues
Former president Donald Trump is vowing to eliminate or alter thousands of government jobs if he wins this November, which could have a big effect on …
Social Issues
As Connecticut's school year begins, the state is still dealing with a teacher shortage. Almost every subject area is facing a statewide shortage …
Social Issues
National proposals to end taxes on tips might have mixed effects on New Yorkers. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have …
New Yorkers could see relief from medical debt if several national proposals move forward. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a new …
Social Issues
Eligible Oregon families have until Monday to apply for summer food benefits. The Summer EBT program provides families with a one-time payment of $12…