B. Federal Lead-Based Paint Enforcement Bench Book - National ...

pervasive in buildings across the nation constructed prior to that time. 14 Approximately 38 million pre-
1978 dwellings in the nation have LBP. 15 Approximately 24 million of these have deteriorated (chipping,
peeling, flaking) LBP, and elevated levels of lead-contaminated dust. 16 More than 4 million of these
dwellings are homes to one or more young children. 17 (Although any pre-1978 housing may have LBP
hazards, since low-income housing tends to be disproportionately burdened with such hazards, there are
significant issues of disparity and environmental justice associated with lead.)
An estimated 310,000 children in the United States have elevated blood-lead levels (EBLLs), 18 and millions
are at risk of potential lead poisoning due to the prevalence of LBP. Even children who appear healthy can
have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. 19 Furthermore, millions of people suffer the continuing
adverse effects of prior lead poisoning. The costs to communities to address the effects of lead poisoning –
for medical intervention; special education; and juvenile, criminal justice, social, and other services – is
staggering. 20
Like any paint, LBP does not just disappear. It persists and eventually, chips, flakes, and chalks, or
otherwise deteriorates if not properly maintained. This deterioration creates lead dust and contaminates soil.
The lead content makes deteriorated paint a hazard. LBP must be eliminated, or properly maintained, using
lead-safe work practices.
14 See e.g., CDC, Tips to Prevent Lead Exposure, www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faq/tips.htm.
15 See e.g., 73 Fed. Reg. 21692, 21790, supra note 1. See also, e.g., D.E. Jacobs, et al., The Prevalence of Lead-Based Paint Hazards
in U.S. Housing, ENVTL HEALTH PERSP. 110:10, A599-A606, Oct. 2002, www.ehponline.org/docs/2002/110-10/toc.html,
or www.ehponline.org/members/2002/110pA599-A606jacobs/EHP110pa599PDF.PDF.
16 See CDC Questions & Answers, supra note 1. See Jacobs, supra note 15.
17 See CDC Questions & Answers, supra note 1. See Jacobs, supra note 15.
18 See CDC Questions & Answers, supra note 1. CDC defines an elevated blood-lead level to be equal to or more than 10
micrograms per deciliter (>10µg/dL), www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/surv/stats.htm. No safe exposure level has been identified.
19 See EPA, Basic Information, supra note 1.
20 One study estimates that lead poisoning costs $43.4 billion in the United States. See P.J. Landrigan, et al., Environmental
Pollutants and Disease in American Children: Estimates of Morbidity, Mortality, and Costs for Lead Poisoning, Asthma, Cancer,
and Developmental Disabilities, ENVTL. HEALTH PERSP. 110:7, 721-728, July 2002,
http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2002/110p721-728landrigan/abstract.html, or
www.ehponline.org/docs/2002/110p721-728landrigan/abstract.html.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTHY HOUSING www.nchh.org 3