The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) will conduct a free blood lead testing clinic for the Palmerton community on February 23, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (snow date: March 9, 2019, same time and place).

The clinic will be held at the Palmerton Area Junior High School at 3529 Fireline Rd, Palmerton, PA 18071. Walk-ins are welcome though appointments are preferred and can be scheduled in advance by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. All ages are welcome to participate in the clinic. Residents with primary healthcare providers should talk to them about insurance-covered blood lead testing first.  Print the flyer to share with families you serve.

On February 8, 2019, the PA Department of Health released Update: Exposures to lead in the air near the American Zinc Recycling LLC (AZR) facility in Palmerton, Carbon County, PA , for residents of Carbon, Northampton, Luzerne, Monroe, Lehigh and Schuylkill Counties. 

DOH is working with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to review residents’ exposure to lead in the air near the American Zinc Recycling LLC (AZR) facility, formerly Horsehead Zinc, currently operating in Palmerton, Carbon County, Pennsylvania.

ATSDR recently completed a study that evaluated the community’s current exposure to lead in the air. Persons who may be at most risk for increased lead exposure include young children and pregnant women.

If you are concerned about lead levels in your blood, please consult with your healthcare provider. Call the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Lead Information Line at 1-800-440-LEAD (1-800-440-5323) if you have concerns about exposure to lead and want more information on steps you can take to reduce exposures. In Pennsylvania, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), covers uninsured kids and teens up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. It’s easy to sign up, and even easier to qualify. Visit www.chipcoverspakids.com for more information or print the brochure to distribute to families