House Source: Jacques Bopp, Unsplash
CORE OBJECTIVE 5: BUILD HEALTHY AND WHOLE COMMUNITIES HEALTHY HOMES, HEALTHY LIVES - WESTMORELAND STRENGTHENS ITS HOUSING STOCK THROUGH NEW LEAD ABATEMENT PROGRAM The use of lead-based paint in homes was outlawed in 1978. With around
be made in the case of an emergency, such as a household that has a
70% of Westmoreland County’s housing stock built prior to that year,
child with elevated lead levels.
there are a significant number of residents that may be at risk of lead poisoning. Young children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning,
The grant money will be allocated to contractors in the area to enable
which can lead to irritability, abdominal pain, slowed mental and physical
the removal of lead and other health and safety hazards from homes. In
development, and more. Because of this, it is crucial that steps are taken
addition to limiting certain health risks faced by county residents, the pro-
to ensure that residents’ exposure to lead is limited as much as possible.
gram will also provide great work opportunities for local state-licensed abatement contractors and contractors who are training to obtain lead
In 2020, Westmoreland County secured $3 million to address lead-based
credentials. As more contractors gain experience in lead removal, the
paint hazards, along with an additional $400,000 for home-related
worker pool will increase, leading to a greater availability of specialists for
health and safety hazards. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing
lead abatement projects in the future.
and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, the new county program will aim to eliminate lead hazards in
The new program has been praised by both county and state leaders.
142 housing units through a Lead Hazard Reduction Grant. Additionally,
Sean Kertes, Westmoreland County Commissioner and Chairman said
other household hazards such as mold and allergens will be addressed in
“This program serves to protect Westmoreland County children and
80 housing units through a Healthy Homes Grant.
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
As the risks of lead exposure are the greatest for children, the program
program to Westmoreland County.”
will be aimed at low-income households that have a young child spending significant time in the home. To qualify for the program, applicants
Support for the program was also voiced by Congressman Guy Reschen-
must have an annual household income of $67,000 or less. In addition to
thaler, who said “With this federal funding, the county can address the
this, the household must also have a child under the age of 6 that spends
dangers of lead exposure, particularly for young children in low-income
at least six hours per week in the home.
families, to improve the health outcomes for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
According to Janet Thomas, Deputy Director of the Westmoreland County Department of Planning and Development’s Community Devel-
The county plans to implement the program beginning in the summer
opment Division, households that apply will be selected to participate in
of 2021.
the program on a first-come, first-served basis. However, exceptions may
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