Scope of Study
RESIDENTIAL LEAD ABATEMENT
As lead-based paint ages it can peel, chip or chalk, and form lead dust. Ingestion of lead 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 behavioral problems. At high levels, lead poisoning can cause seizures, coma and death. In 1998, the Department of Public Health identified 4,312 cases of lead poisoning in Connecticut.
The sale of lead-based paint for residential use was banned in 1978. All homes built prior to 1978 are considered to be potential sources of exposure to lead-based paint, however housing built before 1950 generally contains the highest amount of lead-based paint. According to the 1990 census, 35 percent of Connecticut’s housing stock was built before 1950.
Under Connecticut law, property owners are liable for abatement of toxic levels of lead-based paint hazards if a child under age six resides in the home. In addition, if a child has been identified with an elevated blood lead level, stricter requirements ensue.
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, the U.S. Health and Human Services, through the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, as well as the Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency all have a role in implementing laws and regulations related to lead abatement activities. At the state level, the Department of Public Health operates the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program which oversees prevention, lead inspection, and abatement activities. In addition, the Department of Economic and Community Developments administers a variety of grant programs that can be used by property owners for lead abatement activities. Finally, municipalities are responsible for screening and test children for lead exposure, conduct inspections, issuing clean-up orders, and ensuring compliance through re-inspection.
Area of Focus
The study would examine Connecticut’s laws, regulations, and programs designed to reduce lead poisoning in children.
Areas of Analysis
Describe and compare the laws, regulations, and responsibilities of government at the federal, state, and local levels concerning lead prevention and abatement activities;
Explain the screening and testing process for children under age six, identify national standards, and compare with other states;
Identify blood level standards where lead abatement must occur, how those standards were established, and how they compare to national and other states’ standards;
Examine the inspection process and enforcement actions of lead abatement efforts, including time frames and penalties for noncompliance;
Identify and evaluate lead abatement programs available to property owners through the Department of Economic and Community Development and their costs; and
Identify the types of abatement methods approved for use in Connecticut compared to other states.
Areas Not Included in Analysis
DPH approval of training programs and the process for licensure and certification of lead abatement contractors, consultants, and other personnel;
Lead abatement programs at brownfields, industrial sites, or other areas under EPA or DEP jurisdiction; and
An evaluation of the scientific validity of lead testing methods.