Lead in the News

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.

EPA Press Announcements:

October 2011

October 23-29, 2011 -- was Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. EPA provided information on what you can do to protect your family, and also issued this press release.

July 2011

July 15, 2011 -- EPA finalized its Clearance Rule (PDF) (29 pp, 290KB) amending the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. The Agency is not imposing additional "clearance" requirements because existing RRP work practices and cleaning protocols effectively reduce lead hazards. The rule also makes minor amendments to the 2008 RRP rule. Learn more.
July 5, 2011 -- On July 5, 2011, Georgia became authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. EPA's authorization of Georgia's program is based on the receipt of an application for authorization signed by Georgia's Attorney General certifying that the Georgia programs are at least as protective as the federal lead RRP program and that the Georgia programs provide adequate enforcement. The state program is now in effect in lieu of the federal RRP program. For more information about Georgia's new program, including information on applying for certification or to find training, contact the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Lead-based Paint and Asbestos Program at 404-363-7026 or visit the following website: www.gaepd.org/Documents/index_land.html.

April 2011

April 20, 2011 -- EPA joined with the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Ad Council to sponsor a public service announcement advertising campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning to children. The ads, in English and Spanish, urge viewers to visit the campaign web site and hotline 1-800-424-LEAD to learn more. Read the press release.

March 2011

March 16, 2011 -- On March 16, 2011, Washington state became authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program and a Pre-Renovation Education program. EPA's authorization of Washington's program is based on the receipt of an application for authorization signed by Washington's Governor certifying that the Washington programs are at least as protective as the federal lead renovation, repair and painting program and that the Washington programs provide adequate enforcement. The state programs are now in effect in lieu of the federal RRP program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. For more information about Washington's new program, including information on applying for certification or to find training, contact Cynthia Sanderson, manager of lead programs for the state of Washington, cynthia.sanderson@commerce.wa.gov, or visit the following website: www.commerce.wa.gov/lead.

November 2010

November 16, 2010 -- The State of Alabama became the tenth state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Alabama. Similar EPA requirements have been in place nationwide since April 22, 2010, but the Alabama program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Alabama's program is based on the application letter from Alabama's Governor, Bob Riley, and a certification from the Attorney General, Troy King, that the Alabama program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement. For more information about Alabama's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the contact the Alabama Lead Program at 334-206-5373 or 205-348-4667, or visit the state website at www.Alabamasafestate.ua.edu or www.adph.org/lead.

August 2010

August 3, 2010 -- The American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and a number of other groups submitted a petition to EPA under section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) asking EPA to "prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead for shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers." Read more.

July 2010

July 22, 2010 -- EPA announced the preliminary results of its effort to evaluate lead test kits under the Agency's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program. Learn more about the ETV results.
July 13, 2010 -- The State of Massachusetts became the ninth state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Massachusetts. Similar EPA requirements are in place nationwide, but the Massachusetts program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Massachusetts' program is based on a certification from the Attorney General that the Massachusetts' program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement. For more information about Massachusetts' new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety at 617-969-7177, or visit the state Web site.
July 6, 2010 -- EPA announced a rule (PDF) (18 pp, 121K) that increases protections against lead-paint poisoning by eliminating the ability of owner-occupants of older housing to "opt-out" of having their contractors follow lead-safe work practices. Read the press release, and read more about the rule ending the opt-out provision.
July 2, 2010 -- EPA announced that it will extend the comment period for its proposed Lead Clearance rule until August 6. Under this proposal, renovation firms would have to perform dust wipe testing after certain renovations and provide the results of the testing to the owners and occupants of the building. Read the notice (PDF) (3 pp, 537K).

June 2010

June 18, 2010 -- EPA is providing renovation firms and workers additional time to obtain necessary training and certifications to comply with its new lead rules. Read the enforcement guidance (PDF) (2 pp, 476K) and a set of frequent questions (PDF) (3 pp, 31K).

May 2010

May 3, 2010 -- On May 3, 2010, Oregon became authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program and a Pre-Renovation Education program. EPA's authorization of Oregon's program is based on the receipt of an application for authorization signed by Oregon's Governor certifying that the Oregon programs are at least as protective as the federal lead renovation, repair and painting (RRP) program and that the Oregon programs provide adequate enforcement. The programs are now in effect in lieu of the federal renovation programs. For more information about Oregon's new program, including information on applying for certification or to find training, contact Richard Leiker, manager of lead programs for the state of Oregon, richard.d.leiker@state.or.us, or visit the following web sites: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/lead/Renovation_Repair_Painting_Rule.shtml or www.oregon.gov/CCB/lead-based-paint.shtml.

April 2010

April 23, 2010 -- EPA moved expeditiously to process firm certification applications received by April 22, 2010. EPA is providing guidance to facilitate compliance and ease the transition period following the RRP rule's effective date. For more information, please see an Agency memo on implementation (PDF) (2 pp, 762K) and a set of frequent questions (PDF) (3 pp, 27K).
April 23, 2010 -- EPA announced several new actions to prevent lead paint poisoning. Almost a million children have elevated blood lead levels as a result of exposure to lead hazards, which can lead to lower intelligence, learning disabilities, and behavior issues. In addition, adults exposed to lead hazards can suffer from high blood pressure, headaches, and memory loss. Children under six years old are most at risk. Read the press release.

EPA announced these three actions:

A final rule to apply lead-safe work practices (PDF) (18 pp, 212K) to all pre-1978 homes, effectively closing an exemption that was created in 2008. The rule will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
A notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF) (37 pp, 250K) to require dust-wipe testing after most renovations and provide the results of the testing to the owners and occupants of the building. For some of these renovations, the proposal would require that lead dust levels after the renovation be below the regulatory hazard standards. EPA will take comment on the proposal for 60 days. The agency expects to finalize the rule by July 2011.
An advance notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF) (15 pp, 115K) to announce EPA's intention to apply lead-safe work practices to renovations on public and commercial buildings. The advance notice also announces EPA's investigation into lead-based paint hazards that may be created by renovations on the interior of these public and commercial buildings. If EPA determines that lead-based paint hazards are created by interior renovations, EPA will propose regulations to address the hazards.

April 20, 2010 -- The State of Utah has become authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program on April 8, 2010. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the State of Utah. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Utah program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Utah's program is based on the receipt of an application from Governor Gary R. Herbert and a certification from Fred G. Nelson, Assistant Attorney General, that the Utah program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement. For more information about Utah's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality, Lead-Based Paint Program at 801-536-4000, or visit the state web site: www.airquality.utah.gov/HAPs/lead/index.htm.
April 20, 2010 -- EPA joined with the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Ad Council to sponsor a public service announcement advertising campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning to children. The ads, in English and Spanish, urge viewers to visit the campaign Website or contact the lead hotline 1-800-424-LEAD to learn more. Read the press release.
April 20, 2010 -- The State of Rhode Island has become the first New England state to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Rhode Island. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Rhode Island program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Rhode Island's program is based on a certification from Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch on March 4, 2010, and Governor Donald L. Carcieri on April 9, 2010, that the Rhode Island program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

For more information about Rhode Island's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Rhode Island Lead Program at 1-401-222-5960, or visit the state web site: www.health.ri.gov/leadpoisoning/index.php.
April 19, 2010 -- The State of Kansas has become the fifth state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Kansas. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Kansas program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of the Kansas program is based on the receipt of an application from Governor Mark Parkinson and a certification from Camille Nohe, Assistant Attorney General, that the Kansas program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

For more information about the new Kansas program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program, at 866-865-3233, or visit the state web site: www.kshealthyhomes.org/.
April 12, 2010 -- On April 9, 2010, the State of Mississippi became authorized for the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program, upon the submittal of an Authorization Application and a letter requesting authorization from Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and a certification from the Special Assistant Attorney General, J. D. Woodcock, that the Mississippi program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

This will enable Mississippi to administer and enforce an RRP program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Mississippi. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Mississippi program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. For more information about Mississippi's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Mississippi Lead Program at 601-961-5171 or visit the state website at www.deq.state.ms.us/MDEQ.nsf/page/Air_Lead-BasedPaint.

January 2010

January 21, 2010 -- North Carolina became the third state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of North Carolina. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 2010, but the North Carolina program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of North Carolina's program is based on the application letter from North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue and a certification from the Chief Deputy Attorney General, Grayson G. Kelley, that the North Carolina program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

For more information about North Carolina's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the North Carolina Lead Program at 919-707-5950 or visit the state website at www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead.html.
January 19, 2010 -- The State of Iowa became the second state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Iowa. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 2010, but the Iowa program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Iowa's program is based on the receipt of an application from Governor Chet Culver and a certification from Heather Adams, Assistant Attorney General, that the Iowa program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

For more information about Iowa's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention at 800-972-2026, or visit the state web site: www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/lead_poisoning_prevention.asp#regulations.

October 2009

October 22, 2009 -- EPA agreed to revisit the current lead dust hazard standard and modify the definition of lead-based paint in its regulations. The Agency responded to a petition that was filed by the National Center for Healthy Housing, the Alliance for Healthy Homes, the Sierra Club and others. Read about EPA's action.
October 21, 2009 -- EPA proposed to expand coverage of its 2008 Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule as part of its ongoing commitment to eliminate lead poisoning. The proposed rule eliminates an exemption from the RRP rule. The Agency will take comments on the proposal for 30 days. Read the Federal Register Notice (PDF) (19 pp, 215K) || Read EPA's press release.
October 20, 2009 - The state of Wisconsin became the first state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Wisconsin. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 2010, but the Wisconsin program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Wisconsin's program is based on a certification from Governor James E. Doyle that the Wisconsin program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

For more information about Wisconsin's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Wisconsin Lead Program at 608-261-6876, or visit the state web site: dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead.

August 2009

August 26, 2009 - EPA announced that it will grant a petition to initiate regulatory action to address lead hazards associated with the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead wheel balancing weights ("wheel weights"). Read more about the lead wheel weights announcement.
August 26, 2009 - EPA intends to strengthen requirements it issued in 2008 to protect children from lead-based paint poisoning associated with renovation and repair activities in homes and schools. EPA proposed to expand lead-safe work practices and other protective requirements for renovation and painting work involving lead paint to cover most pre-1978 housing, and after certain renovation, repair, and painting preparation activities are performed to require renovation firms to perform quantitative dust testing to achieve dust-lead levels that comply with EPA's regulatory standards. Renovations on the exteriors of public and commercial buildings will also be proposed to be covered and EPA will evaluate whether renovations in the interior of these buildings create lead-based paint hazards.

EPA will undertake three separate rulemakings to expand coverage and strengthen requirements of the 2008 Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule, which will take full effect on April 22, 2010. These rulemakings will be available for public comment. The agreement was part of a settlement of litigation by the Sierra Club, the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning, and other public interest petitioners over the April 2008 RRP, issued under the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address lead-based paint hazards created by common renovation activities in homes, child care centers, and schools built before 1978.

These proposed amendments to the 2008 RRP rule would result in reduced exposures to lead-based paint hazards for young children, the most sensitive population, as well as for older children and adults. Read EPA's press release.

July 2009

July 15, 2009 -- EPA issued a final rule in the Federal Register announcing two minor revisions to its April 2008 final Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP) Rule relating to requirements for training providers to submit photos of trainees.

EPA requires accredited providers of renovator or dust-sampling-technician training to submit to the Agency post-course notifications, including digital photographs of each successful trainee. The post-course notification requirement, designed to supply important information for EPA's compliance monitoring efforts, was inadvertently omitted from the final regulatory text of the final RRP rule, although it was discussed in the preamble of the rule.

EPA has also removed the same requirement -- to submit to the Agency a digital photograph of each successful trainee along with their post-course notifications -- for accredited lead-based paint activities training providers. These are persons who provide training for the following work categories: inspector, risk assessor, project designer, and abatement supervisor and worker training. The requirement for these providers was inadvertently imposed as part of the final RRP rule; however, it is unnecessary because EPA already receives photographs of these individuals through other means.
July 15, 2009 - EPA issued a Federal Register Notice of Receipt announcing receipt of a petition to prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead wheel balancing weights ("wheel weights"). The Agency must grant or deny the petition by August 26, 2009.

May 2009

May 14, 2009 - EPA made available approximately $1 million for Targeted Grants to Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning. EPA accepted grant proposals from states, U.S. territories or possessions, federally recognized Indian tribal governments and Native American organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, local governments and individuals and international entities. In the Request for Proposal (PDF) (27 pp, 181K), EPA described activities eligible for funding, including outreach and public education, data gathering, monitoring, training, inspections and assessments, and demonstrations of new and innovative approaches for identifying or reducing lead poisoning. The Agency anticipated awarding approximately 10 to 20 individual assistance agreements ranging in value from approximately $25,000 to $100,000, totaling approximately $1 million.

The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this announcement was August 14, 2009.

Read EPA's frequent questions about this funding opportunity.

April 2009

Read the PTA national magazine story (PDF) (3 pp, 2.1MB) on how you can help ensure a lead-free environment for children.

March 2009

March 20, 2009 - EPA issued a final rule to address fees for its lead-based paint programs. The rule addresses two areas: first, it modifies and lowers the existing fees for EPA's Lead-based Paint Activities Regulations; second, it establishes fees for the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. The final rule establishes fees that will be charged for training programs seeking accreditation, for firms engaged in renovations seeking certification, and for individuals (for example, risk assessors) or firms engaged in lead-based paint activities seeking certification. The final rule applies only in those states and tribes without their own authorized lead programs. The fees were developed as required by section 402 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to recover the cost of administering and enforcing the law's requirements.

The final rule slightly lower fees for the Lead-based Paint Activities regulations -- a significant reduction considering the 35 to 40 percent increase in government labor costs since the original fees were set in 1999.

Read more information on the final rule or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Also read EPA's fact sheet on the final rule. For technical information regarding the rule, contact Marc Edmonds at the EPA at 202-566-0758 or by email at edmonds.marc@epa.gov.

March 17, 2009 - EPA made available approximately $500,000 for Tribal Lead Grants. EPA accepted grant proposals from Federally-recognized Indian tribes and tribal consortia to support Tribal educational outreach and to conduct baseline assessments of Tribal children's existing and potential exposure to lead-based paint and related lead-based paint hazards. In the Request for Proposal (PDF) (24 pp, 140K), EPA described activities eligible for funding include educational outreach, data gathering, inspections, risk assessments, training, and development of new and innovative approaches to identifying or reducing lead poisoning. EPA awarded grants to Federally-recognized Indian tribes to perform those activities and to encourage Indian tribes to consider continuing such activities in the future.

The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this announcement was April 30, 2009.

October 2008

October 16, 2008 - EPA substantially strengthened the national ambient air quality standards for lead. The revised standards improve health protection for at-risk groups, especially children.
October 2, 2008 - The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued two lead safety podcasts. Click to download the CDC interviews: Is Your Child Safe from Lead Poisoning? and Renovate Right: Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children.

August 2008

August 21, 2008 - EPA issued a proposed rule to address fees for its lead-based paint programs. The rule addressed two areas: first, it modifed and lowered the existing fees for EPA's Lead-based Paint Activities Regulations; second, it established fees for the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. The proposed rule would establish fees to be charged for training programs seeking accreditation, for firms engaged in renovations seeking certification, and for individuals (for example, risk assessors) or firms engaged in lead-based paint activities seeking certification. The proposed rule applies only in those states and tribes without their own authorized lead programs. The fees were developed as required by section 402 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to recover the cost of administering and enforcing the law's requirements.

The proposal slightly lowers existing fees -- a significant reduction considering the 35 to 40 percent increase in government labor costs since the original fees were set in 1999.

Read more information on the proposed rule or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Also read EPA's fact sheet on the proposed rule. For technical information regarding the proposed rule, contact Marc Edmonds at the EPA at 202-566-0758 or by email at edmonds.marc@epa.gov.

EPA accepted public comment on its fee proposal until September 22, 2008.

April 2008

April 22, 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) modified the Request for Proposals (RFP) Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-08-007, Tribal Educational Outreach on Lead Poisoning and Baseline Assessment of Tribal Children's Existing and Potential Exposure and Risks Associated with Lead. The modified RFP (PDF) (24 pp, 180K) extended the closing deadline to April 30, 2008, due to problems encountered in submitting the proposals through www.grants.gov. The remainder of the information in the RFP was unchanged.

The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this announcement was April 30, 2008. Applicants could apply via mail or on-line at www.grants.gov. Helpful Grants.gov instructions (PDF) (6 pp, 92K) were provided for on-line application.
April 22, 2008 - To better protect children from lead-based paint hazards, EPA issued a new rule for home improvement contractors and maintenance professionals who renovate or repair pre-1978 housing, child care facilities or schools.

The rule requires that by April 2010 contractors and maintenance professionals be certified, that their employees be trained, and that they follow protective lead-safe work practice standards. Trained contractors must post warning signs, restrict occupants from work areas, contain work areas to prevent dust and debris from spreading, conduct a thorough cleanup, and verify that the cleanup was effective.

To foster adoption of the new measures, EPA launched an education and outreach campaign promoting use of lead-safe work practices. EPA's analysis indicated that renovation, repair and painting projects in housing and child-occupied facilities that are likely to contain lead-based paint affect 1.4 million children under age six annually. The new requirements are key components of a comprehensive federal effort to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. These include programs to educate parents and caregivers to keep their housing clean and well-maintained, to make sure their young children wash their hands frequently and eat nutritious food, and to talk to their doctor about testing young children for lead poisoning. Read more about the new rule for renovation, repair and painting to protect against lead poisoning. Read the fact sheet on renovation. En español. Más información en inglés.

March 2008

March 6, 2008 - EPA made available approximately $500,000 for Tribal Lead Grants. EPA accepted grant proposals from Federally-recognized Indian tribes and tribal consortia to support Tribal educational outreach and to conduct a baseline assessment of Tribal children's existing and potential exposure to lead-based paint and related lead-based paint hazards. In the Request for Proposals (PDF) (24 pp, 167K). EPA described activities eligible for funding, including educational outreach, data gathering, inspections, risk assessments, training, and development of new and innovative approaches to identifying or reducing lead poisoning. EPA awarded grants to federally-recognized Indian tribes to perform those activities and to encourage Indian tribes to consider continuing such activities in the future. The number of grants EPA funded as a result of this announcement was based on the quality of proposals received and the availability of funding. EPA anticipated that approximately 4-6 awards would be made.

The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this announcement was April 21, 2008. Applicants could apply via mail or on-line at www.grants.gov. Helpful Grants.gov instructions (PDF) (6 pp, 84K) were provided for on-line application.

February 2008

February 15, 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) solicited grant proposals from eligible entities to reduce incidences of childhood lead poisoning in low-income communities with older housing. In the Request for Proposals (PDF) (19 pp, 94K), EPA described a new community-based lead grant program and provided potential grant activities that could include outreach, training, ordinance development, and other activities that would result in reduction of childhood lead poisoning. This grant program supported the partnership of national organizations with community-based organizations and local governments to improve the environmental health of communities regarding lead poisoning prevention. EPA awarded grants to provide approximately $2 million to interested entities. EPA anticipated that approximately 6-8 awards would be made. The number of grants EPA funded as a result of this announcement was based on the quality of proposals received and the availability of funding.

The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this announcement was March 31, 2008. Applicants could apply via mail or on-line at http://www.grants.gov. Helpful Grants.gov instructions (PDF) (5 pp, 32K) were provided for on-line application.

January 2008

January 29, 2008 - EPA issued a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act requiring certain manufacturers, including importers, of consumer products intended for use by children to submit unpublished health and safety information on the lead content of children's products, excluding children's metal jewelry. Read more information about this rule.

June 2007

June 5, 2007 - To provide the nation's children with additional protection from lead exposure, EPA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to require lead-safe work practices and worker training and certification for contractors and construction professionals conducting renovation activities in child-occupied facilities. Child-occupied facilities include child-care centers, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms, and may be located in private homes and apartments as well as in public or commercial buildings. Whether a dwelling or building is covered by the proposal depends on the number of hours that a child under six years of age regularly spends there.

This proposal supplemented EPA's January 10, 2006, proposed requirements for training, certification and work practices for contractors who perform renovations in most pre-1978 housing. In addition to extending the proposal to cover renovations in child-occupied facilities, the June proposal also required renovation firms to distribute lead hazard information to owners and operators of buildings containing child-occupied facilities, as well as to the parents and guardians of children under age six using the facilities.

Renovation activities that disturb lead-based paint can create lead hazards. A 2003 survey of child care centers by the Department of Housing and Urban Development found that 28 percent of all licensed child care centers nationwide still contain some lead-based paint, and more than half of the centers built before 1960 do. This supplemental proposal is another component of a comprehensive program that will include training and an education and outreach campaign to promote lead-safe work practices. As part of this program, EPA has developed model training courses for renovators and for dust sampling technicians. This program will help to meet the goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning as a major public health concern by the year 2010.

April 2007

April 13, 2007 - EPA and the Sierra Club reached a settlement on April 13, 2007, under which the Agency will take targeted actions to complement numerous other measures EPA has taken, along with its federal and state partners, to protect children from lead exposure. More information on lead in toy jewelry.

March 2007

March 15, 2007 - EPA announced the availability of two new studies in the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program rulemaking docket [docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2005-0049]. On January 10, 2006, EPA proposed a rule establishing requirements to protect residents of pre-1978 housing units from lead hazards due to renovation, repair, and painting activities (71 FR 1588). Since the 2006 proposal, two new studies assessing hazards associated with renovation activities have been completed. They include one study conducted by EPA (Characterization of Dust Lead Levels after Renovation, Repair, and Painting Activities) and a second study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Lead-Safe Work Practices Survey Project. EPA offered the opportunity for the public to comment regarding the proposed work practice standards in light of these studies. Comments were to have been submitted to the docket for the proposed rule by April 16, 2007. More information about the proposed rule and the studies.
March 1, 2007 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amended the Request for Proposals (RFP) Number EPA-OPPT-2006-0648, National Community-Based Lead Outreach and Training Grant Program. The amendment (PDF) (1 pg, 9K) clarified eligibility information and extended the closing deadline. The remainder of the information in the Request for Proposals (PDF) (18 pp, 100K) remained unchanged. The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this amendment to the announcement was April 12, 2007.

January 2007

January 29, 2007 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) solicited grant proposals from eligible entities to reduce incidences of childhood lead poisoning in low-income communities with older housing. In the Request for Proposals (PDF) (18 pp, 100K), EPA described a new community-based lead grant program and provided potential grant activities that could include outreach, training, ordinance development, and other activities that would result in reduction of childhood lead poisoning. This grant program supports the partnership of national organizations with community-based organizations and local governments to improve the environmental health of communities regarding lead poisoning prevention. EPA anticipated that it would make approximately 6-8 awards would be made to interested entities, totaling approximately $1.5 million. The number of grants EPA funded as a result of this announcement was based on the quality of proposals received and the availability of funding.

The closing date for applicants to submit proposals under this announcement was April 2, 2007. Applicants could apply via mail or on-line at www.grants.gov. Additional instructions (PDF) (3 pp, 26K) were provided for on-line application.
January 17, 2007 - EPA made available approximately $1 million for Tribal Lead Grants. EPA evaluated grant proposals from federally-recognized Indian tribes and tribal consortia to support Tribal educational outreach and to conduct a baseline assessment of Tribal children's existing and potential exposure to lead-based paint and related lead-based paint hazards. Activities eligible for funding included educational outreach, data gathering, inspections, risk assessments, training, and development of new and innovative approaches to identifying or reducing lead poisoning. EPA awarded grants to Federally-recognized Indian tribes to perform those activities and to encourage Indian tribes to consider continuing such activities in the future. The number of grants EPA funded as a result of this announcement was based on the quality of proposals received and the availability of funding. EPA anticipated that approximately 15-30 awards would be made. The deadline for submission of grant proposals was January 12, 2007.
January 17, 2007 - EPA made available $3 million in funding for Targeted Grants to Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning, a competitive grant program to address populations still at risk for elevated blood lead levels. EPA evaluated grant proposals to conduct activities to reduce incidences of childhood lead poisoning in vulnerable populations, including projects to: (1) Reduce lead poisoning in areas with high incidences of elevated blood-lead levels; (2) identify and reduce lead poisoning in under-studied areas with high potential for undocumented elevated blood-lead levels; and (3) develop tools to address unique and challenging issues in lead poisoning prevention, especially tools that are replicable and scalable for other areas. Activities eligible for funding included outreach and public education, data gathering, monitoring, training, inspections and assessments, and demonstrations of new and innovative approaches for identifying or reducing lead poisoning. The deadline for submission of grant proposals was January 12, 2007.

March 2006

March 16, 2006 - EPA published "Lead Paint Test Kit Development; Request for Comments" in the Federal Register of March 16, 2006 (71 FR 13561-13563). In this request, EPA asked for information concerning the development of test kits or similar technologies for testing lead in paint that could be used by renovators, repair persons, and painters complying with a future regulation for renovation, repair, and painting activities. The information was considered in formulating EPA's policy and research decisions regarding the development of lead paint test kits.

Comments had to be received on or before April 17, 2006. Interested parties could submit comments on Lead Paint Test Kit Development; Request for Comments, identified by Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0044, online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Other methods for submitting comments were also described in the Request for Comments.
March 2, 2006 - OPPTS published a notice (71 FR 10628-10630) announcing the availability of, and seeking comment on, a revised Economic Analysis to support the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (PDF) (1083 pp, 14M) proposed regulation. As discussed in the proposed rule, the revised economic analysis contains the Agency's updated estimate of the potential costs and benefits of the proposed rule. Comments had to be submitted by April 10, 2006. More information was available.

February 2006

February 27, 2006 - EPA published a notice (71 FR 9750-9752) announcing five public meetings to receive comments from the public regarding the proposed Renovation, Repair and Painting Program requirements. The meetings were held in late March and early April in New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and San Francisco. The FR Notice announced the locations and times for the meetings, and explained meeting procedures. More information was available.

January 2006

January 10, 2006 - EPA published the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program proposed rule (71 FR 1588). The proposal seeks to minimize the introduction of lead hazards resulting from the disturbance of lead-based paint during renovation, repair, and painting activities in most housing built before 1978. Comments on this proposed rule, identified by the Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2005-0049, had to be submitted by April 10, 2006, through http://www.regulations.gov. Other methods for submitting comments were also described in the proposed rule. More information was available. Más información.