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03/29/2024 07:29 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20210&cosponId=33814
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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: December 29, 2020 01:41 PM
From: Representative Angel Cruz
To: All House members
Subject: Requiring Lead Testing in Child Care Institutions and Centers
 
Addressing the current scale of lead exposure and poisoning in this Commonwealth requires a combination of targeted approaches. Therefore, I plan to re-introduce my lead testing package from the previous legislative session, encompassing both prevention and mitigation aspects. The first piece of legislation will require children’s institutions and childcare centers licensed by the Department of Human Services to be tested for lead as part of licensure procedures.

Children under the age of six are most vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of lead exposure. Even at low levels, lead exposure can inhibit brain development in young children, resulting in learning and behavioral problems for the rest of their lives. Despite the particular vulnerability of young children to lead exposure, no such testing requirement for facilities serving our children currently exists in Pennsylvania. This legislation would prohibit the Department of Human Services from issuing a license to any institution or care center in which lead levels are higher than CDC recommendations. In the case that elevated levels of lead in water, paint, or soil are found, the facility would be required to submit a remediation plan that follows all current regulations for removal and remediation.

Lead poisoning is preventable, but unfortunately lead goes undetected within our homes and schools robbing children of their true potential. Please join me in my efforts to address the ongoing lead exposure crisis poisoning our children in our Commonwealth.



Introduced as HB1188