A Framework for Action To Make Private Housing Lead-Safe: A Proposal To Focus National Attention.

This framework sets forth detailed proposals that are crucial to eliminating the epidemic of childhood lead poisoning in the United States. Private housing units can and must be made lead-safe, and this framework is designed to achieve that goal through specific requirements for property owners, a workable schedule, and mechanisms that reinforce and reward responsible action. Chapters 1 and 2 provide an introduction and an overview of the hazards of lead-based paint. Chapter 3 describes the universe of housing in the United States and the objectives that guided the framework's design. Chapter 4 details requirements for private property owners, which include maintenance practices, deadlines for hazard evaluation and control, and monitoring requirements. Chapter 5 describes how most private housing units can be made lead-safe in response to effective private-sector forces, while chapter 6 emphasizes the importance of state and local enforcement. Chapter 7 calls for insurers, lenders, appraisers, and the judicial system to reinforce action by owners. Chapter 8 presents a summary of the roles and responsibilities of all key players. Two appendixes provide a list of the members of the technical advisory committee and a list of 27 references. (MDM)