Good Demo
Bad Demo
Spotting a knockdown in your neighborhood? Wondering if a demo is dangerous? Looking for lead-safe leadership?
Get the Lead Out, Pittsburgh is looking for “Demo Detectors” to snap photos of demos in action, in the hopes that we can ensure all Allegheny County demotions are done using the wet-wet-wet lead-safe method. Stay 100 feet away from the demo, wear a face mask to protect against inhalation of dust, take a photo and share it with us below.
Use the below example when calling or writing your local elected official:
My name is _____ and I live in _________ (community).
I am contacting you because our community needs you to take action on lead poisoning, which is a 100% preventable problem that we CAN solve with better standards and prevention measures. Lead is found in paint dust on old windows and doors, the air and soil after demolitions, and in our drinking water. 80% of Allegheny County homes were built in an era of lead-based paint.
Lead poisoning has permanent, devastating effects on children, including reduced IQ levels and academic achievement, along with increased behavioral and attention-related problems and slowed physical development. This brain damage and ADD/ADHD robs our children of their full potential, talent, and well-being.
From 2015 to 2019, 2,199 children in Allegheny County were identified by the Allegheny County Health Department as new cases of lead poisoning. That’s 2,199 local kids who are facing a lifetime of harm. These numbers will only grow the longer we wait to act. Now is the time to raise our community standard to ensure children can live, play and grow in spaces that are lead-safe.
Because there’s no safe level of lead, the only way to protect kids is ensuring they’re not exposed to it in the first place. A strong lead safety ordinance is a smart place to start.
Can we feature you as an elected official stepping up to protect our children from lead?
What to do if someone in your family experiences lead poisoning
Take precautions before renovating
Lead is common in buildings built before 1978. The science is clear; lead impacts a child’s development, growth and learning.
Contact us for help with testing for your facility, grants for remediation efforts and training for your staff and community.
Always use lead-safe work practices when doing any renovation or repair work that may disturb any dust, plaster or painted surface.
Has your child been tested for lead and have an elevated blood lead level (EBLL)? Where were you living? Or where was your child attending school or early learning?
We’d like to help. Let us shine a light on your child’s story.
Call 412-404-2872 or email info@gettheleadoutpgh.org.
Connect with the Get the Lead Out, Pittsburgh campaign. Enter your email to stay in touch.
If you need help for your child or legal assistance with a landlord, call 412-404-2872 or email info@womenforahealthyenvironment.org.