EPA Releases Holistic Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures
On Thursday, October 28, EPA released its Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities (Lead Strategy-see below), in conjunction with National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. This first-ever, agency-wide Lead Strategy outlines how EPA will utilize its full suite of authorities, expertise, and resources to reduce lead exposure in communities overburdened by pollution and advance the Administration’s commitment to environmental justice and equity. The efforts outlined in the strategy to protect the public from lead pollution are supported by the BIL investments.
Through this strategy, EPA is initiating a handful of new actions and ensuring established programs across the agency are leveraged together to ensure the strongest protections from lead exposure, including:
- Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators in four states, which will provide targeted technical assistance and develop best practices to help address the barriers disadvantaged communities face in replacing lead service lines.
- New federal agency collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to address lead in food, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.
- The development of new educational and engagement materials on children’s health and maternal health regarding lead and heavy metals in cultural products and cookware.
