Lead Prevention Panel Discussion to be Held October 25

Released: October 21, 2022

Children First, in partnership with the Delaware County Health Department, is hosting a panel discussion focused on lead poisoning on October 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Lathem Hall at Widener University, located at 1300 E. Potter Street in Chester.

Delaware County ranks fifth in the state for the highest number of children who are poisoned by lead. Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage to children and can cause learning, behavior, hearing and speech problems, sometimes requiring special education services, and is a risk factor for criminal behavior.

There is no cure for lead poisoning and the only way to protect children is by removing lead from homes.

An estimated 81% of homes in Delaware County have lead paint hazards so getting the lead out requires a collaborative strategy. Leading health experts, including Dr. Denise Johnson, Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, and Melissa Lyons, Director of the Delaware County Health Department, are joining Children First to release a five-year plan of action that will help protect children in Delaware County from lead poisoning.

Residents are invited to join the discussion and learn more about lead poisoning prevention and ways to keep their families safe. Register for the free seminar here: www.childrenfirstpa.org/delcoleadforum

More information about lead poisoning and prevention can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm