HUD Gets Stricter About Tiny Amounts of Lead Poisoning
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Notice
Summary
HUD is lowering the blood lead level that triggers action in HUD-assisted homes from 5 to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter for kids under 6, matching the CDC’s updated health standard. This change means more homes will get lead safety help sooner, protecting little ones from lead poisoning. The new rule starts January 17, 2025, with deadlines depending on local rules, and HUD will support communities through training and funding.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
HUD lowers lead-action level to 3.5 µg/dL
HUD changed the elevated blood lead level (EBLL) that triggers action in HUD-assisted target housing for a child under age 6 from 5 to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). This change takes effect January 17, 2025 and means more HUD-assisted homes with young children will qualify for environmental investigations and lead hazard control sooner.
Environmental investigations required at 3.5 µg/dL
When a child under age 6 in HUD-assisted target housing has a blood lead level at or above 3.5 µg/dL, the designated party (property owner or other responsible entity) must arrange for an environmental investigation and, if hazards are found, hazard control per HUD and EPA rules. Other HUD-assisted units with children under age 6 must receive a risk assessment and any needed hazard control on the schedules in the Lead Safe Housing Rule.
Two compliance deadlines set for HUD programs
HUD set compliance deadlines for the new 3.5 µg/dL EBLL threshold. HUD-assisted target housing in jurisdictions with a blood lead action threshold equal to or lower than 3.5 µg/dL must comply by April 17, 2025; properties in jurisdictions with a higher or no threshold must comply by July 16, 2025.
HUD to provide training, support, and funding efforts
HUD will provide training, technical assistance, update guidance on HUD Exchange, and seek funding to help designated parties implement the lower 3.5 µg/dL EBLL threshold. HUD will also prioritize developing the certified lead hazard control workforce through grant programs.
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