At the recent Mayor's Citizens Forum in Yeadon Borough, a significant focus was placed on the urgent issue of lead poisoning among children in Delaware County. Rosemary, a health consultant for Children First, highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that Pennsylvania ranks highest in the nation for childhood lead poisoning, with over 11,500 cases reported last year. Shockingly, 80% of children in the state under six have never been tested for lead exposure.

The discussion underscored the critical need for preventive measures, particularly following the passing of the Home Prevention Ordinance by Yeadon Borough. This ordinance aims to mitigate lead hazards in homes, especially in rental units where lead paint is often found. Rosemary emphasized that lead poisoning can lead to severe health issues, including permanent brain damage, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

The forum also celebrated the collaborative efforts of the Delaware County Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition, which has been instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for lead testing and remediation. The coalition's initiatives include a five-year action plan aimed at ensuring all children are tested for lead and improving health outcomes.

In a notable achievement, Yeadon Borough joined other municipalities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in adopting this crucial ordinance, which has already shown promising results in reducing lead poisoning cases. The forum concluded with a call to action for community members to engage with local legislators to advocate for further measures to protect children from lead exposure.

As the community rallies around this pressing health issue, the hope is that increased awareness and legislative action will lead to a significant decrease in lead poisoning cases, ensuring a safer environment for the region's children.