White House Reports Lead Poisoning in Sharp Decline

The White House Blog has recently reported that the number of children affected by lead poisoning has dropped by 75 percent in the last decade. The article goes on to say, “Stated differently, the percentage of children that test positive for lead poisoning has been reduced from over 8% to less than 1%. “

With that said, the President’s administration is looking to continue on that path—seeking to rid the country of lead-based paint hazards. The Recovery Act of 2009 made around 17,000 homes lead free in inner cities and just recently HUD was granted another $127 million toward protecting families from lead poisoning.

“This grant funding will clean up lead and other health hazards in more than 11,000 homes, train workers in lead safety methods and increase public awareness about childhood lead poisoning.  And to address homes that are simply too unsafe or unhealthy for children and the elderly, $10 million of these funds will address housing-related health hazards, such as mold and moisture, fire hazards, radon and carbon monoxide poisoning.”

We’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but there's still some work to be done.