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April Campaign for Lead-Safe Children Launched in Philadelphia

Release Date: 4/5/2000
Contact Information: Joan Schafer, (215) 814-5143/Roy Seneca, (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca, 215-814-5567 & Joan Schafer, 215-814-5143

PHILADELPHIA -- The Environmental Protection Agency, the Philadelphia Health Department, the Regional Nursing Centers Consortium, and other active partners, today launched a new initiative to educate families, landlords, homeowners, and renters about the risks of lead poisoning.

"Children’s health is a top priority for EPA, and community awareness about this preventable problem is essential to any long-term effort to improve the quality of people’s lives," said Bradley Campbell, EPA’s regional administrator.

EPA joined city and community leaders during a kickoff press conference today at the Harrison Elementary School in north Philadelphia to launch the month-long Lead-Safe Children campaign that promotes lead-safe remodeling to protect children from lead dust. The campaign also encourages parents to get their children tested for lead poisoning to determine any source of lead exposure.

The press conference was followed by a lead fair where children and parents participated in hands-on activities to teach them about the dangers of lead poisoning and emphasize prevention methods like clean hands, good nutrition and lead testing. This was the first of more than 20 Lead-Safe Children events scheduled at schools, community centers, supermarkets and pharmacies throughout the city during April. (See attached list of events)

Along with educating families, EPA is stressing that landlords learn their responsibilities and renters know their rights regarding lead hazards in their homes.