New Bills To Reduce Lead Poisoning Risk In Philadelphia
by Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With lead contamination in Flint, Michigan water grabbing headlines, a group of city council members is planning to introduce a package of bills that would tighten lead rules in Philadelphia.
Three bills are in the package: one would require annual lead testing of water in Philadelphia public schools, another would require all child care centers be certified as lead-free-- including both paint and water, and a third would amend the Lead Paint Disclosure law-- which warns renters and buyers of potential risks-- to include disclosure of lead water service lines in homes built before 1978.
"There is no question that the safety of our schools, the safety of our child care centers will be paramount, that renters and home-buyers should know what risks they face and they will have clear pathways to remediation," said Councilwoman Helen Gym, a sponsor of the bills.
The bills are sponsored and supported by all six female members of council, prompting councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez to comment that this is the start of council's women's caucus.