In response to the article “Legislation would focus on lead paint in Pittsburgh homes” (Nov. 23, TribLIVE): Westmoreland County is ahead of neighboring counties in finding and mitigating lead contamination in homes. Our Community Planning and Development Department took steps in 2020 to secure grant funding for certified risk assessors to evaluate and test homes for lead-based paint hazards and for contractors to receive the required training to obtain certifications to perform lead abatement activities.

After a long career in biochemistry, and with a wife who is a pediatric nurse practitioner, combating the lead in Westmoreland County homes is important to me, and I’m proud that our county found grant funding for this important work. For more information on this county program, please see co.westmoreland.pa.us/leadsafe or call 724-830-3366.

Because lead poisoning can result in permanent neurological and physiological damage in children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends checking the blood lead levels in children at their 12-month well visits. If you are concerned, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatric health care provider or call Excela at 877-771-1234 or Pediatric Associates of Westmoreland at 724-832-7045 to find a provider in Westmoreland County.

Douglas W. Chew

Greensburg

The writer is a Westmoreland County commissioner.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)