Stronger policies on lead testing in schools needed
It’s troubling to think that our children are drinking contaminated water in the very place they go to learn everyday.
In Pennsylvania, this is a reality. Schools have found troubling amounts of lead in their drinking water across the state, including Butler Area School District, where the lead levels were 200-300 percent over the acceptable level, according to an article titled Mandate lead test for schools from July 19.
The current state budget calls for school districts to test their water for lead, but this is not enough. We need stronger action to protect our children’s health. Representative Karen Boback’s House Bill 2025 would make testing a requirement and would lower the acceptable level of lead.
Representatives Ryan Warner and Matt Dowling should follow the lead of Representative Bud Cook and over 70 other co-sponsors and support this legislation to guarantee our children a safe and healthy learning environment.
Allison Capasso
Philadelphia