Residential Lead Abatement
Introduction
Residential Lead Abatement
Introduction
The Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee voted to undertake a study of "Residential Lead Abatement" in March 1999. The study focus was Connecticut's laws, regulations, and programs designed to reduce elevated blood lead levels in children and financially assist property owners in abating lead. Under Connecticut law, property owners are liable for abatement of toxic levels of lead-based paint (LBP) if a child under the age of six resides in the home. In addition, if a child has been identified with an elevated blood lead level (BLL) of 20 micrograms per deciliter of blood (mcg/dL) or greater, stricter requirements ensue.
As lead-based paint ages it can peel, chip or chalk, and form lead dust. Ingestion of lead dust is a primary source of lead poisoning in children under six years old and is considered a common pediatric problem. Blood lead levels are used to detect the presence of lead and even low levels are associated with decreased intelligence, reduction in attention span, reading and learning disabilities, and behaviorial problems. In 1998, the state Department of Public Health (DPH) identified 598 children under the age of six with blood lead levels equal to or greater than 20 mcg/dL, the BLL which triggers an epidemiological investigation, including an inspection of the child’s residence, be conducted by local code enforcement officials.
Several levels of government are involved in funding and/or administering lead prevention and/or abatement programs. At the federal level, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), as well as the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all have a role in implementing laws and regulations related to lead poisoning prevention. At the state level, the Department of Public Health operates the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program which oversees prevention, lead inpection, and abatement activities. In addition, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) administers a variety of grant programs that can be used by small property owners for lead abatement activities. Finally, municipalities are responsible for conducting epidemiological investigations which include inspections of residences, issuing clean-up orders, and ensuring compliance through re-inspection.
Report methodology. A variety of research methods were used in conducting the lead abatement study. The general literature on lead poisoning prevention was reviewed. Federal and state statutes, regulations, guidelines, and budget documents were also examined. In addition, reports issued on the program by the administering agencies, as well as statistical and abatement cost data were analyzed. Extensive interviews were held with individuals in the Department of Public Health, the Department of Economic and Community Development, child advocates, and representatives of a rental property owners association. The program review committee also held a public hearing to gather additional testimony from interested parties.
Report organization. This report contains six chapters. Chapter One describes common risk factors for lead exposure, CDC guidelines for screening and treating children for lead poisoning, and national and state statistics on lead screening. Chapter Two summarizes federal law, regulations, and guidelines and identifies the role of the various federal agencies involved in lead prevention activities. Chapter Three describes Connecticut’s lead laws and regulations. The next chapter reviews the major activities of the Department of Public Health and the Department of Economic Development, the two state agencies involved in overseeing and funding lead prevention activities. Chapter Five contains the committee's findings and recommendations. The last chapter compares childhood lead programs in selected other states with Connecticut's lead program.
Agency Response
It is the policy of the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee to provide state agencies subject to a study with an opportunity to review and comment on the recommendations prior to publication of the final report. The response from the Department of Public Health is contained in Appendix A.