Allentown’s federally funded Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program is entering the home stretch having remediated 32 homes since its inception.
The city was awarded a nearly $1.4 million U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Grant in July 2016. At an average cost of $15,000, including relocation, the city hopes to clear an additional 13-to-18 units of lead hazards by this fall.
Due to older housing stock, the presence of lead paint on interior and exterior finishes is more common in the city than in other areas.
Exposure to lead by children under the age of 6 and women who are pregnant are most at risk. A blood test is required to determine an elevated blood lead level (EBL). Lead exposure may cause learning disabilities, slow growth, fatigue, joint pain, vomiting and other problems.
“This is a problem that is causing serious harm to the young children of Allentown,” said Mayor Ray O’Connell. “By implementing this program through funding from HUD, we are improving the health of our residents and creating safer homes in the city.”
Allentown Director of Community and Economic Development Leonard Lightner says “our staff is working together with our community healthcare partners to identify cases where the elevated blood lead levels in children are present. We work on a confidential basis to reach out to the families and schedule a home visit. At this point we can use specialized equipment to identify potential lead sources in the home. Our staff is highly trained to identify lead paint hazards and work with the family on a plan to reduce the hazards.”
Allentown is one of few cities that has enacted an ordinance requiring testing and remediation in homes where a child has been poisoned by lead paint. Headed by the city’s Department of Community & Economic Development through the Community Housing Department and the Bureau of Health, Allentown’s Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Program allows this work to take place free of charge to income qualified families.
The city also utilized a portion of the HUD grant funds for contractor training to increase the supply of licensed professionals to perform the work. Lead hazard control work must be done by a contractor that is certified and licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“I am proud of the work our city staff is doing to address this disturbing problem,” added Mayor O’Connell. “We must protect our residents, especially our youth, from lead exposure and its debilitating effects.”
For more information on the City of Allentown’s Residential Lead Remediation Program, please call Community Housing Coordinator Heidi Westerman at 610-439-5997.
Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
