US federal budget announcements and government press releases

EPA Tightens Lead Dust Limits During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to Protect 300,000 Children

Oct 24, 2024, 03:00 PM

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized stricter regulations to protect children from exposure to lead paint dust in older homes and childcare facilities. Announced during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the new rules set limits on lead dust on floors and window sills in pre-1978 residences and childcare facilities to levels so low they cannot be detected. The Biden administration's initiative aims to reduce lead exposure, which kills 1.5 million people annually and robs millions of children of their full cognitive capacity. “There’s no safe level of lead in blood—especially for kids,” the EPA stated. The new standards are expected to better protect more than 300,000 children each year and reduce lead paint dust exposure for up to 1.2 million people annually.