EPA Takes New Steps to Protect American Children from Lead Poisoning

Today the EPA provided steps to raise awareness about the toxicity of lead-based products and how they are particularly dangerous to children. "Lead is still present in many of our neighborhoods, but we can limit exposure to children and adults by working together on comprehensive actions...,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We're committed to giving our nation’s children the fullest protection possible, and giving parents clear assurance that their children are safe from harm.”

According to the EPA, the catalyst for pushing for tougher standards and better eduction regarding the dangers of lead-based products, came from a 2008 settlement in which the Sierra Club, the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning and others had taken part. This settlement calls for "lead safe work practices during repair, remodeling and renovations" with the goal of reducing the chances of individuals coming into contact with lead-based paints and other materials.

In studies conducted between 1995 and 2000, children of minorities made up 94% of the reports of lead-poisoning. These children were at risk of developing learning disabilities, nervous system disorders, high blood pressure, behavioral problems and even reproductive problems later in life.

According to statistics, children growing up in low economic communities—not just minorities, but predominantly minorities—were most likely to come into contact with the lead paint and lead-dust filled air. Lead-filled air is likely to be prevalent in buildings undergoing repair, remodeling and repainting—where previous layers of paint are removed before new layers of paint are applied. This same dust can enter the lungs of workers and inhabitants of dwellings where lead paint is present. The dangerous dust is also said to be likely to land on exposed food, clothing, furniture, carpeting and more where it can be ingested or come into further contact with small children who are most susceptible to illness related to lead poisoning.

According to the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program that the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene published in 2005:

New York City (NYC) has made great strides in reducing the number of childhood lead poisoning cases; since 1995 there has been an 82% decline in the number of NYC children less than 6 years of age who are newly identified each year with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). Despite this progress, however, 3,490 NYC children were identified with elevated BLLs in 2003. Thus, lead poisoning remains an important public health problem."

The report also states that children with elevated blood lead levels (BLL) are "at risk for learning and behavioral problems, reduced intelligence and other serious health effects."

The EPA is proposing that homes built before 1978 undergo inspections to test for lead levels in dust. The EPA considers testing homes built after 1978 to be unnecessary since lead paint was banned for residential use at that time.

A chief concern to the EPA is lead-based dust particles that can fill the air in buildings containing lead paint. Therefore, the EPA says it would like to see lead safe work standards implemented at sites containing lead-based paint.

In response to a 2009 petition—again from the Sierra Club, the Ecology Center and other non-profit organizations—the EPA will seek a ban on the use of lead in tire weights used to balance tires. According to the EPA, 2,000 tons of lead are released into the environment each year from tire weights that fall off of vehicles while in transit.

In addition to the implementation of more stringent rules regarding lead materials, the EPA and other agencies are inviting the public to compete in a lead-poisoning prevention video contest. The winning video will offer the best and most comprehensive education to the public about how to avoid lead poisoning. The first prize winner will receive $2,500.

To learn more about the details of the Lead Poising Prevention Video Contest read the details below taken directly from the EPA's press release:

...The EPA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are soliciting creative videos from the public for a lead poisoning prevention video contest.

The three agencies are interested in videos that convey easy, low-cost steps that can be taken to prevent childhood lead poisoning and inspire individuals and communities to change their behavior to prevent exposure to this harmful chemical. Examples of possible video topics include:

• Educating the public about the dangers of lead poisoning in children
• Steps you can take to prevent children from lead dust poisoning if they spend time in older homes, schools, or child care settings
• The importance of hiring a trained professional to conduct safe renovation, repair or painting work that involves lead-based paint
• Simple safe work practices to follow when renovating a home with lead-based paint
• The importance of getting your child tested for lead if you live in an older home.
• The deadline for entries is October 1, 2009 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The winners will be awarded cash prizes in the amount of $2,500 (1st prize), $1,500 (2nd prize) and $1,000 (3rd prize). Winning videos will be featured on EPA, CDC and HUD’s Web sites. Winners will be announced during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, 2009.