Citing the growing concern both nationwide and in Pennsylvania about the dangers of hidden lead poisoning, Rep. Angel Cruz (D-Philadelphia) said Thursday she will introduce a package of legislation aimed at increasing lead testing in several main areas.

"It’s a tragedy that the events in Flint had to remind us of the dangers of lead poisoning, but the danger is real and the danger is high," Rep. Cruz said. "Studies from the Department of Health show that multiple cities across Pennsylvania are dealing with children testing positive for high blood lead levels, including Allentown, Scranton, York, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, among others. This is not an issue we can afford to take lightly."

The first piece of legislation would require children under age 6 to be tested for elevated lead levels in their blood. Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend children be tested at ages 1, 2 and again before age 6.

The second piece of legislation would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require more frequent testing for lead in water. Under current law, water is tested every three years at a reduced number of sample sites after the initial passing. Rep. Cruz’s legislation would require testing to be done annually at the reduced number of sample sites and a complete test from all sample sites every three years.

The third piece of legislation, which is being developed by Lehigh Valley legislators, would require residential rental properties built before 1978 to the same requirements that federal law has laid out for the sale of residential homes. Currently, a lead inspection is required before the sale of a home. This legislation would require a lead inspection each time a tenant vacates a rental property before renting to a new tenant.

NewsClips:

DEP: High Lead Exposure Not Caused By Water

New Attention To Lead Risks In Older PA Cities

Worried About Lead? 5 Things To Know

Lead Poisoning In PA, Should We Be Worried?

Lead-Tainted Water In Flint Draws New Attention To Lead Risks

York Kids’ Confirmed Lead Levels High

Lead Pipes In Homes A Worry In Western PA

Bills Would Increase Lead Testing In PA

Flint Tragedy Prompts Bill To Require More Lead Testing

Op-Ed: Flint Can Us, It Could Happen In Pittsburgh

Editorial: Expand Lead Testing

Residents: Sewer Project Threatens Wells In NE

Clean Water Project In Abingtons To Wrap Up In Fall

Related Stories:

DEP: Pennsylvania Water Systems Not The Cause Of Lead Exposure

Wolf Administration Highlights Steps To Reduce Lead Exposure

Op-Ed: Pennsylvania Needs Water Well Standards To Protect Public Health

2/15/2016