EPA Releases Report on Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a status report update on its Federal Lead Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. In its status report update, the EPA highlighted initiatives and actions being conducted to address the four goals of the Lead Action Plan: to reduce children's exposure to lead sources, to identify lead-exposed children and improve their health outcomes, to communicate more effectively with stakeholders, and to support and conduct critical research to inform efforts to reduce lead exposures and related health risks. Among other things, the EPA highlighted efforts around lead-based paint to reduce children's exposure to lead sources; efforts to implement regulations requiring individuals and firms conducting lead-based paint abatement, risk assessment, or inspection to be trained and certified; and efforts to increase the number of certified renovation firms capable of providing lead-safe renovation and repair and painting services. The agency recently completed planning for a lean pilot project in six cities to increase the number of certified firms and trained contractors under the Lead, Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule.