Child advocates in Delaware demanding funding for lead paint removal

DELAWARE – Delaware child advocates are demanding the Joint Finance Committee add back funds that were set aside to reduce lead poisoning in children.

Advocates Not Having It 

For the first time in three years, Delaware’s Governor proposed a budget containing no new state funding for the remediation of exposed lead-based paint in homes across the First State. It’s those homes where children have tested positive, and child advocates are not having it.

Vice Chair of Action for Delaware’s Children Matt Denn says state funding is critical in proactively eliminating lead-based paint hazards in rental housing. “There are about 600 kids in Delaware every year who get diagnosed as having elevated lead in their blood, and what it leads to is developmental delays and learning disabilities, it even extends into adolescence. Kids with high levels have more involvement with the juvenile justice system.”

Less Lead

In 1978 it became illegal to use lead paint, and in 2023 Senate Bill 9 was passed to create a system to eliminate lead paint in homes. Denn says this tends to affect lower-income families disproportionately. “They’re renting a disproportionate number of those pre-1978 rental units. It’s bad for any kid regardless of economic status, but the kids who are more often exposed to it are kids from lower-income households who don’t have as many choices about where to live.

In a recent press release, Lead-Free Delaware issued a statement saying in part quote: “Reducing exposure requires support and health-protective policies from the state government. This funding will dramatically improve the lives of Delaware’s children right now and for many years to come.”

Tired of Toxins

Black Mothers of Power say National surveys indicate that Black children are disproportionately impacted by the neurological damage caused by exposed lead paint. Saying they are quote, “dedicated to the elimination of racial health disparities for Black children throughout Delaware.” Denn says it’s time to get rid of these toxins once and for all. “If there’s not sufficient money to help pay for the remediation, then we might not be able to get all of the homes with exposed lead paint fixed, and those kids would continue to be exposed to a neurotoxin.”

If you would like more information on the work being done to address the concerns of lead affecting children, visit their website.