Lead can be very harmful, especially to young children. The most important step parents can take is to prevent lead exposure before it occurs.
- Childhood lead poisoning at low levels may make learning difficult, interfere with growth, harm hearing and delay development.
- Childhood lead poisoning at high levels may cause coma, convulsions and even death.
Lead can be found throughout a child's environment, including:
- homes built before 1978 that contain lead-based paint
- peeling and cracking paint makes lead dust that can poison children when they swallow or breathe in the dust
- certain water pipes
- some consumer products, such as some toys and jewelry
- some candies imported from other countries or traditional home remedies
- certain jobs and hobbies involve working with lead-based products may cause parents to bring lead into the home.
Lead Paint Inspection and Removal
Any contractor doing renovation in PA homes older than 1978 must be a certified renovator. The purpose of lead-safe renovation is to assure that new lead hazards are not created during the work. The EPA enforces the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule in Pennsylvania. For a searchable list of Certified Renovators visit the EPA website.
There are two main types of certifications for contractors in Pennsylvania who address lead-based paint (LBP) in residences: the PA-certified companies and individuals who do abatement work and the EPA-certified renovators.
- certified firms
- inspectors
- risk assessors
- project designers
- lead workers
- lead supervisors
For more information about LBP abatement certification, go to PA Department of Labor and Industry Lead Occupations.
- certified renovators
To learn more about renovation projects in older housing, go to EPA RRP Program
The Department of Health provides a toll-free Lead Information Line (1-800-440-LEAD) to respond to caller questions and provide electronic materials about lead poisoning and other environmental hazards.
Additional Resources for Medical Providers, Parents, Tenants, and Contractors
- CDC New Information about Blood Lead Levels in Children
- CDC Case Management Guidelines for Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels for Medical Professionals
- Pennsylvania Toolkit - Resource Guide for Care Management of a Child with Elevated Blood Lead Levels
- Parent Resource Toolkit - Lead Free Promise Project
- Management of Childhood Lead Exposure - PEHSU
- Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (EPA)
- Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting booklet
- HUD Guidelines for LBP Hazards in Housing (2012 Edition)
Lead Resources
Lead Information Line: 1-800-440-LEAD
Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Dashboard
Lead Poisoning Prevention Training
The Importance of Childhood Blood Lead Testing
Testing Children for Lead Poisoning | Lead | CDC
Contact Us
Bureau of Family Health
Division of Child & Adult Health Services
Health and Human Services Building
625 Forster St.
Seventh Floor, East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
717-772-2762