Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Press Release

Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton released the following statement on the commemoration of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:

"National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is an important opportunity for us to highlight the very real dangers of lead poisoning and the changes we need to keep our children safe. More than 300,000 children under the age of six are estimated to have elevated blood lead levels - an unacceptably high number. Lead poisoning has been linked to neurological impacts, including reduced IQ, impaired hearing, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and a range of behavioral issues. If we are to meet our national goal of eliminating elevated blood lead levels by 2010, we must do more to ensure that our homes, schools, and neighborhoods are free of lead hazards for our children. By preventing lead poisoning, we can help give our children the healthy start they need and deserve."

Senator Clinton has long worked to address lead hazards in New York and across the nation. Last month, Senator Clinton introduced legislation to protect children from harmful levels of lead and ensure uniform recognition of elevated blood lead levels across federal agencies. Additionally, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) approved Senator Clinton's measure to amend the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Final Lead Renovation and Repair Rule to require improved safety, training and clearance standards for lead removal by renovators. Last year Senator Clinton introduced the Lead Elimination, Abatement, and Poisoning Prevention (LEAPP) Act. The legislation would improve coordination among federal, state and local government agencies, update standards for pre-lease or sale inspections required by HUD, and establish pilot projects to target areas of high incidence of lead poisoning in children. She has also introduced the Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act which provides a tax credit for safely removing lead-based paint hazards from homes and rental units.

This year's theme for National Lead Poisoning Prevention week is "Let's Wipe Out Lead Poisoning - Renovate Right!" For more information on lead, contact the National Lead Information Center by calling 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or by visiting http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm.

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