MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Federal, state, and local officials gathered at Methodist Le BonheurFriday to announce tighter standards for lead dust in homes built before 1978.
The EPA says it is one of the most important commitments under theFederal Lead Action Plan introduced in 2018.
Lead poisoning causes learning disabilities in children and canonly be confirmed through blood tests.
“Today’s final rule is the first time in 18 years that we arelowering the amount of lead defined as a hazard in target housing, housingbuilt before 1978, when lead-based was phased out in child-occupied facilitiesacross the countries,” says Mary Walker, administrator for the EPA SoutheastRegion.
These standards will apply to inspections, risk assessments, andto abatement activities in pre-1978 homes, schools, and hospitals in the U.S.