Bucks County Seeks To Combat Lead Problem

Bucks County officials have applied for a grant to create a program to tackle problems relating to health hazards caused by lead.

The Office of Community and Economic Development has applied for a $2 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to launch a countywide lead hazard reduction program.

“The county’s intention is to build capacity to address lead based paint hazard control, reduce housing related health hazards, and ensure impacted families are connected to healthcare resources,” officials said.

Across Bucks County, more than 34,000 homes were constructed before 1940, raising the chance that there are increased risk for lead hazards, officials said.

For more than 40 years, the county has run a rehabilitation program that has renovated homes for residents with low- to moderate-income. Through the program, officials said they have learned about the risks associated with lead exposure.

“The County of Bucks is interested in supporting initiatives that ensure the safety, enhance the health, and improve the quality of life for all Bucks County residents,” said Bucks Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert Loughery. “This important initiative aligns with that priority.”