Delco Getting $1M To Combat Lead Contamination

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Delaware County officials announced $1 million in federal funding to fight lead contamination has been earmarked for the county.

The county secured grant funding form the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to enhance its effort to protect children from the hazards of lead in their homes.

$1 million in federal funding will be allotted to the county over three years to remediate lead paint.

The county council has committed an additional $100,000 to support the program.

Lead is a neurotoxin, and health experts say exposure to even small amounts is dangerous.

In children, exposure can affect brain development and is associated with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.

Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention data, more than 13,000 children in areas of Delaware County were found to have elevated blood levels of lead in their system.

Funds will be used to remediate lead paint hazards and provide safer homes for qualified households with children under the age of 6.

As part of this initiative, the County will work with medical and social service providers to provide lead paint hazard education and training.

More information about lead paint, including resources and prevention of lead poisoning, is available online here.