HEALTHY HOMES, HEALTHY LIVES - WESTMORELAND STRENGTHENS ITS HOUSING STOCK THROUGH NEW LEAD ABATEMENT

Image Source: Jacques Bopp, Unsplash

CORE OBJECTIVE 5: BUILD HEALTHY AND WHOLE COMMUNITIES

The use of lead-based paint in homes was outlawed in 1978. With around 70% of Westmoreland County’s housing stock built prior to that year, there are a significant number of residents that may be at risk of lead poisoning. Young children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can lead to irritability, abdominal pain, slowed mental and physical development, and more. Because of this, it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure that residents’ exposure to lead is limited as much as possible.

In 2020, Westmoreland County secured $3 million to address lead-based paint hazards, along with an additional $400,000 for home-related health and safety hazards. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, the new county program will aim to eliminate lead hazards in 142 housing units through a Lead Hazard Reduction Grant. Additionally, other household hazards such as mold and allergens will be addressed in 80 housing units through a Healthy Homes Grant.

As the risks of lead exposure are the greatest for children, the program will be aimed at low-income households that have a young child spending significant time in the home. To qualify for the program, applicants must have an annual household income of $67,000 or less. In addition to this, the household must also have a child under the age of 6 that spends at least six hours per week in the home.

According to Janet Thomas, Deputy Director of the Westmoreland County Department of Planning and Development’s Community Development Division, households that apply will be selected to participate in the program on a first-come, first-served basis. However, exceptions may be made in the case of an emergency, such as a household that has a child with elevated lead levels.

The grant money will be allocated to contractors in the area to enable the removal of lead and other health and safety hazards from homes. In addition to limiting certain health risks faced by county residents, the program will also provide great work opportunities for local state-licensed abatement contractors and contractors who are training to obtain lead credentials. As more contractors gain experience in lead removal, the worker pool will increase, leading to a greater availability of specialists for lead abatement projects in the future.

The new program has been praised by both county and state leaders. Sean Kertes, Westmoreland County Commissioner and Chairman said “This program serves to protect Westmoreland County children and families from the toxic effects of lead exposure in their homes. On behalf of my fellow board members, we are elated to support bringing this vital program to Westmoreland County.”

Support for the program was also voiced by Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, who said “With this federal funding, the county can address the dangers of lead exposure, particularly for young children in low-income families, to improve the health outcomes for some of our most vulnerable residents.”

The county plans to implement the program beginning in the summer of 2021.