HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf discussed an initiative August 30 to address the lead paint issue in the state. He urged the legislature to increase access to blood testing for children—which is called for by federal guidelines—increase local response efforts and plan for training of more certified lead abatement professionals.

“Pennsylvania has the sixth-highest percentage rate for children suffering from lead poisoning, and this is only the number who have been formally diagnosed,” Gov. Wolf said. “This is true in Pittsburgh and across the state. It’s imperative that we get to work ending lead exposure in our commonwealth.”

Both blood and school water supplies are tested for lead levels. Pennsylvania schools are required to test lead levels in school waters, but they can choose not to test as long as they announce the decision at a public meeting.

“We’re working to reduce lead exposure in our historic school buildings, as well as from legacy water lines in our municipalities,” Gov. Wolf said. “We need projects like this across the commonwealth… to help keep families safe.”

Currently, about 300 children in the state have been tested for lead, and about 4.6% of those children had elevated lead levels. Federal guidelines advise parents and guardians to have their children tested for lead exposure between nine and 12 months and then again at 24 months.

A bill introduced earlier this year would require that all children in the state be tested for lead exposure at one and two years of age, but that bill is stuck in committee.

Sen. Vincent Hughes, who represents Philadelphia, said he was inspired to action by lead poisoning in Flint, MI.

“After the events that transpired in Flint, Michigan, I convened members of the Senate Democratic Caucus leading to the introduction of a package of bills addressing lead in our homes, schools, daycares, water and soil,” Hughes said. “Together, we must devote more resources to eradicating this public health crisis in the places our children live and learn. There are zip codes in my district that have some of the highest levels of contamination in Philadelphia, which is why I will continue to fight to protect citizens in this city and across this commonwealth.