EPA Enforces Stricter Lead Paint Dust Standards to Protect Children

The new rule mandates undetectable lead levels in homes and child-care facilities built before 1978, aiming to reduce exposure for millions.

The new EPA standards classify any detectable lead paint dust as hazardous, requiring cleanup by property owners.
The rule is expected to reduce lead exposure for up to 1.2 million people annually, including hundreds of thousands of children under six.
Lead paint, banned in 1978, still exists in an estimated 31 million homes, posing significant health risks, especially in low-income areas.
The rule lowers permissible lead dust levels to 5 micrograms per square foot on floors and 40 on window sills, aligning with New York City's standards.
Critics argue the rule imposes financial burdens on property owners, while advocates praise it as a necessary step for public health protection.