Delaware County Takes Major Step Against Childhood Lead Poisoning With $2M in Grants to Rid Homes of Toxic Paint

Every year, 350 children in Delaware County are stricken with lead poisoning, for which there is no cure—The vast majority of these cases can be easily prevented

Yeadon (February 18, 2020) – The Delaware County Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition announced a new grant to help families protect their children by getting toxic lead paint out of their homes.

Delaware County was awarded a $1 million grant from the federal Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct lead remediation in low-income homes with pregnant women or children under the age of six. These funds will be administered by the County’s Office of Housing and Community Development.

Combined with existing funds administered by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, the county has nearly of $2 million to help families and landlords that serve low-income families get the lead out.

“Lead poisoning in children is preventable and we have an obligation to address this public health issue,” Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon said. “Step one in addressing this issue is remediation and this critical federal grant will make remediation possible for many families in Delaware County.”

In Delaware County, some 350 children are poisoned every year and 80% of homes and apartments are likely to have lead-based paint.

“These grants are incredibly good news for Delaware County, and both organizations are ready to take applications so that families can get the lead out,” said Delaware County Council Vice-Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.

“The County has the money to clean up approximately 60 homes, and families and landlords should act quickly before the funding runs out,” Taylor added.

In addition to the grant announcements, the Delaware County Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition officially unveiled guides for Delaware County families on what to do if you think a child has been poisoned by lead and how to access resources and information to make properties lead-safe.

“We’re seeing a next-level response in the fight against lead poisoning from health and community leaders in Delaware County,” said Beth Dougherty, a health policy specialist from PCCY, which coordinates the Lead Poisoning Coalition.

“Thanks to recent media coverage, many parents are concerned about the lead paint that may exist in their homes but aren’t sure what to do next.” added Dougherty. “Luckily there are resources and local guides to help with next steps as well as local officials committed to protecting children from this scourge.”

The Coalition is comprised of 20 organizations, including local health care and social services organizations, municipal governments, environmental groups, and lead remediation companies.

For more information, or to download copies of the Delaware County lead poisoning prevention guides, residents should visit: childrenfirstpa.org/lead

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