Today, October 24th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized stricter standards for identifying and cleaning up lead paint dust in homes and childcare facilities built before 1978. Announced during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, this measure is part of President Biden’s broader strategy to reduce lead exposure, especially for children, who are most vulnerable to its harmful effects. Exposure to lead can lead to developmental issues in children and increase risks of heart disease and cancer in adults. The new rule aims to protect up to 1.2 million people annually, including 178,000 to 326,000 children under six.
This action aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, introduced by Vice President Harris in December 2021, and addresses racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in lead exposure. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the impact of these changes, stating, “Our most vulnerable children in overburdened communities are the most affected by lead exposure. EPA’s action will reduce these risks nationwide.”
Peggy Shepard, Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, applauded the rule, stressing the ongoing dangers of lead exposure and the disproportionate impact on low-income communities of color.
The EPA’s final rule significantly lowers acceptable lead dust levels, aligning with standards set by New York City in 2021. The new limits are as follows:
- Floors: 5 µg/ft² (down from 10 µg/ft²)
- Window sills: 40 µg/ft² (down from 100 µg/ft²)
- Window troughs: 100 µg/ft² (down from 400 µg/ft²)
These updated thresholds aim to minimize lead exposure risks from deteriorating paint in older properties, where children’s typical behaviors, like crawling, increase their vulnerability.
This regulation complements recent EPA measures requiring water systems to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. Backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $2.6 billion in new funding will support these efforts to reduce lead exposure in communities nationwide.
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