Lead poisoning poses a serious threat to our children due to the irreversible effects it has on their health and wellbeing. Exposure to lead can damage the developing brain and nervous system and lead to cognitive impairment, even at low blood levels. Initially, lead poisoning can be difficult to detect since symptoms often develop slowly over time.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a blood lead test is the best way to find out if a child has lead poisoning. Unfortunately, based on the Department of Health’s most recent Childhood Lead Surveillance Annual Report, less than 35% of children in Pennsylvania under age two received a blood lead test in 2022.
 
That same year, the General Assembly took an important step toward lead poisoning prevention by passing the Childhood Blood Lead Test Act (Act 150 of 2022) which established lead exposure screening and testing requirements for pregnant women and children. However, under current law, a child only needs to receive initial screening by two years of age, and a blood lead test is required only if they are considered at risk for exposure. By this time, it may be too late.
 
Therefore, I am proposing legislation to ensure a parent or legal guardian is offered a blood lead test for their child by nine months of age, regardless of whether the child is considered at risk. This simply gives parents the option to have their child’s blood lead levels measured and does not create any additional testing mandates. Earlier detection of lead in a child’s blood can help families prevent further exposure and health consequences.
 
I hope you will join me in supporting this legislation. Thank you for your consideration.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1423 (Apr 21, 2025): P.L.2135, No.150