Abstract: Many U.S. children have unacceptably high levels of lead in their blood, which may result in reduced intellectual ability, learning disabilities, or other health concerns. A key source of lead exposure often is house dust containing lead-based paint (LBP) from deteriorated or abraded surfaces of walls, door jambs, and window sashes. The federal Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (LBPPPA), as amended, establishes requirements and authorizes funding for the detection and control of LBP hazards in federally assisted housing. The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Title X; P.L. 102-550) authorizes federal grants to state and local governments to provide assistance to private owners of other housing (i.e., not federally assisted) for low-income residents for LBP hazard reduction. The federal strategy to reduce childhood exposure to LBP promotes interim measures, rather than complete removal of LBP, to eliminate by 2010 hazards from housing units constructed prior to 1960. The Bush Administration has requested continued funding in FY2008 for grants and related programs that support the strategy. In 2000, President Clinton’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children suggested that the use of financial incentives, such as tax credits or deductions, might be explored to reduce LBP hazards in housing for additional lowincome families not served by HUD grants and moderate-income families with young children. Legislation to provide such incentives has been introduced into the 110th Congress. [read report]

Topics: General Interest, Government, Risk & Reform