Preventing Childhood Lead Exposure in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there were nearly 5,000 young children under age 6 with confirmed elevated blood lead levels in 2021. Another nearly 2,000 children had initial elevated blood lead levels without a second confirming test. Elevated lead levels can lead to multiple health issues, both in childhood and later in life, potentially increasing children’s risk of future crime.

By getting as many young children as possible tested for lead exposure, educating parents about the hidden hazards of lead paint, and by investing in residential lead paint remediation now, Pennsylvania can protect children not only from the lifelong health impacts of lead exposure, but also ensure that they are less likely to be involved in the criminal justice system later in life.