National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Oct. 25-31: Why Lead Poisoning still haunts Delco
Did you know there is no known safe level of lead? Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage to children – especially babies and kids six and under. Lead can cause learning, behavior, hearing and speech problems, sometimes requiring special education services, and is a risk factor for criminal behavior.!
For every dollar spent removing lead-based paint hazards in children’s homes and apartments, $17-$221 would be returned in health benefits, higher average IQ, higher lifetime earnings, tax revenue, reduced spending on special education and reduced criminal activity.
Lead-based paint hazards in children’s homes are the main source of lead poisoning in Pennsylvania. Lead-based paint was not banned for residential use until 1978.
What does the lead the poisoning crisis mean for Delaware County?
Delaware County has the 7th highest number of children poisoned of all Pennsylvania counties. More than 410* children are poisoned every year -enough to fill 20 pre-school classrooms – and those are the ones we know about.
Only 24% of children between 0 – 72 months old are screened for lead.
79% of residential properties in Delaware County were built before 1980. Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately poisoned because they are more likely to live in older properties with lead-based paint. For every white child poisoned by lead in Delaware, there are 3 black children and 2.5 Hispanic children with lead poisoning.
Childhood lead poisoning is preventable! The primary risk is paint, so safely removing lead-based paint hazards in older homes will reduce risks of lead poisoning in children.
Delaware County children need protection from toxic lead! GUARANTEE every PA child is tested for lead twice by age two. SUPPORT municipalities in the implementation of “Lead-Safe” or “Lead-Free” certification for properties built before 1978. REMOVE lead-based paint hazards from children’s homes.
To learn more, including resources for a professional lead risk assessment and safe removal of lead hazards contact the Delaware County Health Department: https://www.delcopa.gov/health/leadfree123
The federal centers for Disease Control and Prevention sponsors National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week each year to raise awareness of lead poisoning in the home. For more information click HERE.
*testing numbers include confirmed and unconfirmed lead test results.
GRAPHIC/Courtesy LeadFreeKids.org and CDC