EPA Proposes Tighter Limits on Lead Dust in Homes and Child Care Facilities

"Under the proposed rules, any amount of lead dust in floors and window sills would qualify as “hazardous” and require abatement."

"The Biden administration on Wednesday proposed to strengthen requirements for the removal of lead-based paint dust in homes and child care facilities built before 1978, an effort to eliminate exposure to lead that could require millions of property owners to pay for abatement.

Lead is a neurotoxin and exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, particularly in babies and small children.

If finalized, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the regulation would reduce exposure to lead for as many as 500,000 young children per year.

“There is no safe level of lead,” said Michal Freedhoff, the Environmental Protection Agency’s assistant administrator for the office of Chemical Safety and Pollution. “Even low levels are detrimental to children’s health, and this proposal would bring us closer to eradicating lead-based paint hazards from homes and child care facilities across the U.S. once and for all.”"

Coral Davenport reports for the New York Times July 12, 2023.

Source: NYTimes, 07/13/2023