1Designating the week of October 19 through 25, 2014, as "Lead
2Poisoning Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, Lead is a naturally occurring element found in the
4earth's crust; and

5WHEREAS, Lead can be found in all parts of the environment,
6including the air, soil and water; and

7WHEREAS, A majority of lead exposure results from human
8activities such as the use of fossil fuels and lead paint; and

9WHEREAS, Lead and lead compounds have been used in a variety
10of household products including paint, ceramics, pipes, plumbing
11materials, gasoline, batteries and cosmetics; and

12WHEREAS, Lead exposure can result from eating or drinking
13contaminated food or water, or from inhaling dust in areas where
14lead-based paint is deteriorating or renovations are being done
15to older structures; and

1WHEREAS, Lead is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and
2also young children because their growing bodies absorb more
3lead than adults; and

4WHEREAS, Lead exposure in children can result in permanent
5damage to the brain and nervous system that may result in
6learning impairments and hearing problems; and

7WHEREAS, The chances of lead exposure can be greatly reduced
8by taking simple steps, such as maintaining all painted
9surfaces, promptly fixing water damage, managing dust levels in
10the home and frequently washing hands and commonly touched
11surfaces; therefore be it

12RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all
13citizens of this Commonwealth to be aware of and take steps to
14prevent the dangers of lead exposure; and be it further

15RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
16week of October 19 through 25, 2014, as "Lead Poisoning
17Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.