By Erie365NewsWriter 
A recent study has named Erie the 27th highest risk city in the country for lead paint exposure. This ranking points to a serious public health issue for local families.
Pennsylvania, including Erie, has a major problem with lead due to its older homes. In Erie County, more than 70% of houses were built before 1978. That’s the year lead paint was banned nationwide. Many of these houses still contain lead hazards hidden in walls, windows, and floors.
Children are especially at risk. It doesn’t take much lead to poison a child. Just a tiny amount of dust can cause health problems. Sometimes, the signs don’t show up right away. Years later, children can develop learning disabilities, vision and hearing problems, or behavior issues.
Erie County now ranks as the sixth worst in Pennsylvania for the number of lead-poisoned children. This is a troubling trend, but it does mean more families are getting tested and more hazards are being found.
For over 20 years, a county-wide program has been inspecting and fixing homes with lead issues. Inspectors check every part of a home, including soil around the house. Hundreds of homes have been made safer through this effort.
Families with young children or pregnant women are urged to get their homes tested. Lead tests for children are covered by all insurance plans in Pennsylvania. If a problem is found, the Redevelopment Authority offers help to remove lead safely. This work can cost thousands of dollars, but many services are funded by grants.
There’s still work to do. Erie needs more lead-certified contractors to handle the growing demand for lead abatement. A new training session is set for the end of July to add more qualified workers.
With more awareness, testing, and action, Erie hopes to reduce the risks of lead exposure and protect its families for generations to come.