Whereas, The American Academy of Pediatrics along with other stakeholder groups including but not limited to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have reported on the risks of childhood lead poisoning and the need for prevention; and

Whereas, According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, childhood lead toxicity has been recognized for over 100 years, higher blood lead levels are associated with lower IQ scores, intellectual deficits, language difficulties, attention problems, diminished academic abilities, and behavior disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder; and exposure to lead causes neurological damage, behavioral and learning disabilities, and hinders the ability of students to reach their full potential as adults; and  

Whereas, Exposure to lead can result in lifelong health effects, and because lead can mobilize during pregnancy, exposure can result in multigenerational impacts, and there are no safe levels of lead in children’s blood or safe levels of exposure to lead; and

Whereas, Children are exposed to lead from different sources such as paint, solder, and old building materials, particularly in schools, consumer products (toys, food items and cosmetics) and through different pathways (air, food, water, dust, and soil); and  

Whereas, There are numerous sources of lead that can be found in the environment including lead chips, grit and dust from lead paint and its removal, contaminated water, polluted soils and air emissions; and lead exposure can also result from certain occupational and recreational activities of individuals and their families, including certain artistic pursuits, marksmanship/shooting firearms, and consuming game; and now, therefore be it   

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent associations support the removal of all sources of lead from use, including its complete removal of lead from all paints, building materials, and consumer products; and be it further 

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent associations encourage the safe and responsible removal of lead from existing uses, including lead in paints, plumbing, and in other building materials; and be it further 

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent associations advocate for lead testing and the remediation of lead contaminated soils and water; and be it further 

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent associations promote advocacy around 
policy changes to prevent lead poisoning. 

Adopted: by the 1976 Convention Delegates 
Revised and Adopted: by the 2019 Convention Delegates