Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) have introduced the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting children from the devastating effects of lead poisoning. The proposed act would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to update its lead poisoning prevention measures to align with modern science.

Senator Todd Young emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “All children deserve the opportunity to grow up without the fear of harmful toxins in their home. The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act will help ensure the health and safety of our children by improving federal lead poisoning detection and prevention measures.”

Senator Dick Durbin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of addressing lead poisoning in homes. He asserted, “Children continue to be at risk from lead poisoning in the very place they call home. We have to do more to address this health hazard before it harms more children.”

Lead hazards in homes pose serious health and safety threats, with deteriorated lead-based paint being a common source of exposure for U.S. children. Despite advancements in lead hazard detection and remediation, federal laws and regulations have yet to catch up, leaving many vulnerable Americans at risk of lead exposure.

The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act aims to protect children in low-income housing from lead poisoning by implementing primary prevention measures. This includes shifting HUD's policy towards primary prevention rather than solely relying on visual assessments to identify lead hazards.

The introduction of this bipartisan legislation underscores the commitment of Senators Young and Durbin to safeguarding the health and well-being of children living in federally assisted housing. By addressing the issue of lead poisoning proactively, the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act seeks to ensure that children have a safe and healthy environment to thrive and reach their full potential.