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

Foreword
This bench book is written for judges, attorneys and other persons interested in promoting enforcement to
eliminate lead-based paint hazards and, thereby, prevent childhood lead poisoning. The information in this
book is intended to increase awareness of federal lead-based paint and environmental laws. These laws are an
important component of the inter-governmental response to lead poisoning prevention. Also, this bench
book also provides an overview of federal lead-based paint enforcement programs; and suggests ways citizens,
and state and local authorities can support federal enforcement.
A companion publication, The Guidebook for Developing State and Local Lead-Based Paint Enforcement Bench
Books is a how-to manual for non-lawyers, aimed at promoting enforcement of state and local laws to address
lead-based paint. The Guidebook does not tell which laws apply in a particular state or locality. Rather, it
tells what laws to look for; how to find them; and how to compile the laws, and other information, into a
useful reference for state and local judges and prosecutors. The Guidebook also is published by the National
Center for Healthy Housing.
The author notes that the term “lead-based paint” appears in various writings as either Lead-based Paint or
Lead-Based Paint when the phrase is capitalized. Official sources generally use the latter expression, although
the former is grammatically correct. A similar inconsistency manifests regarding the title of the Lead Safe
Housing Rule, which appears as Lead-safe, Lead-Safe, or Lead Safe. The author has elected to use the terms
Lead-Based Paint and Lead Safe Housing Rule (expect where quoting a contrary external source), and begs
the indulgence of readers who would have chosen otherwise.