Lead Information for Schools and Daycares

Allegheny County requires every child to be tested for lead exposure and to present a record of this test before entering kindergarten. This regulation went into effect January 1, 2018.

In addition, there are some rules and guidance that apply to all schools and childcare facilities with regards to building maintenance and repair, drinking water, and general lead safety and communication.

Universal Lead Testing Regulation

The universal lead testing regulation, Article XXIII, states:

  • “Each child shall be tested between approximately 9 months to 12 months of age and again at approximately 24 months of age”
  • Any child who did not receive those tests “shall have their blood lead level tested as soon as possible after 24 months but before 72 months [6 years] of age or entry into kindergarten, whichever is sooner”

The regulation allows for medical and religious/moral exemptions if provided in writing.

This means that for every child enrolling in kindergarten in Allegheny County, the school should receive either 1) documented proof of blood lead level testing or 2) a written letter of exemption stating the reasons for opting out.

While testing and documentation is required, children who did not receive testing will not be excluded from enrollment.

Downloadable Information

On April 30, 2018, the Health Department sent an informational packet to school nurses throughout Allegheny County. It explained the new regulation and answered questions that schools need to know to put this requirement into practice. Below are the elements included in this mailing.

See the Lead Resources page for more printouts and websites that can be used to provide education and support.

EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule requires that renovations of child-occupied facilities only be carried out by lead-safe certified renovation firms that use certified renovators trained in lead-safe work practices. This is to ensure that these renovations do not accidentally contaminate your facility and expose children to hazardous lead dust.

Learn more about how the RRP rule applies to operators of child care facilities.

For additional information about lead in child care facilities, visit the EPA website.

EPA's "3Ts" for Schools and Childcare Facilities

The Environmental Protection Agency provides 3Ts for reducing lead in drinking water for schools and childcare facilities:

  • Training: Train officials to raise awareness of the 3Ts program and summarize the potential causes and health effects of lead in drinking water
  • Testing: Test drinking water to identify potential lead problems
  • Taking Action: Take action to reduce lead in drinking water

The EPA's 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water website includes material for a full program on lead education and reduction, including tips on how to communicate with faculty, students, parents, and the community. Visit the plan-building tool for schools, or the plan-building tool for childcare facilities.

Visit the Funding Sources for Schools and Child Care Facilities page for help finding funding to reduce lead in drinking water.

You may also want to use the EPA’s Healthy Schools Checklist to evaluate how your school handles lead and other potential hazards. 

EPA's "3Ts" for Schools and Child Care Facilities

The 3Ts for reducing lead in drinking water in schools and child care facilities, which include:

  • Training school officials to raise awareness of the potential occurrences, causes, and health effects of lead in drinking water.
  • Testing drinking water in schools to identify potential problems and take corrective actions as necessary.
  • Telling students, parents, staff, and the larger community about monitoring programs, potential risks, the results of testing, and remediation actions.

View the EPA's 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water website.

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