New Steps to Protect American Children from Lead Poisoning

EPA provided steps to raise awareness about the toxicity of lead-based products and how they are particularly dangerous to children. "Lead is still present in many of our neighborhoods, but we can limit exposure to children and adults by working together on comprehensive actions.
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We're committed to giving our nation’s children the fullest protection possible, and giving parents clear assurance that their children are safe from harm.
EPA, the catalyst for pushing for tougher standards and better eduction regarding the dangers of lead-based products, came from a 2008 settlement in which the Sierra Club, the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning and others had taken part. This settlement calls for "lead safe work practices during repair, remodeling and renovations" with the goal of reducing the chances of individuals coming into contact with lead-based paints.
 1995 and 2000, children of minorities made up 94% of the reports of lead-poisoning. These children were at risk of developing learning disabilities, nervous system disorders, high blood pressure, behavioral problems and even reproductive problems later in life.
Lead-filled air is likely to be prevalent in buildings undergoing repair, remodeling and repainting—where previous layers of paint are removed before new layers of paint are applied. This same dust can enter the lungs of workers and inhabitants of dwellings where lead paint is present. The dangerous dust is also said to be likely to land on exposed food, clothing, furniture, carpeting and more where it can be ingested or come into further contact with small children.

EPA is proposing that homes built before 1978 undergo inspections to test for lead levels in dust. The EPA considers testing homes built after 1978 to be unnecessary since lead paint was banned for residential use at that time.
Ecology Center and other non-profit organizations—the EPA will seek a ban on the use of lead in tire weights used to balance tires. According to the EPA, 2,000 tons of lead are released into the environment each year from tire weights that fall off of vehicles while in transit, The winning video will offer the best and most comprehensive education to the public about how to avoid lead poisoning.