Standards for lead poisoning prevention increased         

[JULY 14, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed into law on June 20 a bill that will help protect children and pregnant women from lead poisoning. House Bill 4853 will expand lead poisoning prevention efforts in the state by limiting the sale of items that have higher lead levels, restricting the application of lead substances to common household items, expanding state inspections of residential buildings, requiring posted notification for lead hazards and requiring paint stores to display informational posters about the dangers of improper paint removal.

Two years ago, Blagojevich created the Illinois Lead-Safe Housing Task Force, charged with developing recommendations to keep children safe from possible lead hazards in the home. House Bill 4853 is a result of the findings of the task force and will increase lead inspections in homes where young children live who test positive for lead poisoning.

"Lead poisoning in the home is something that can be prevented. By signing this bill into law, more inspections will take place, and that means protecting more children," Blagojevich said.

House Bill 4853, sponsored by Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago, and Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago, amends the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act by:

• Requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to inspect the dwelling unit and common areas of a building if a child of less than 3 years of age is found, through screenings, to have an above-acceptable level of lead in their blood. If requested, the department must inspect residences where children under the age of 6 reside or where a pregnant woman resides. A positive blood lead screening is 10 and greater micrograms per deciliter of blood.

• Expanding the definition of what a "lead-bearing substance" is to include items coated with lead, and restricting the sale of items that have more than 0.06 percent lead levels, including clothing, jewelry, candy and any items intended to be chewed by children.

• Requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide the Department of Public Health with an electronic record of children less than 7 years old who receive Medicaid, All Kids or other health care benefits. This record will be used to give health care providers information on the number of children they care for who have been tested for lead poisoning.

• Requiring an owner who has received a mitigation notice to post the notice in common areas of the building that has the identified lead hazards.

• Requiring that a warning statement about the dangers of improperly removing paint is posted where paint, sandpaper or other paint removal supplies are for sale or rent.

"Recent studies and research indicate intervening earlier is more effective in making significant positive health improvements for younger children," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Illinois Department of Public Health director.

"I want to commend Governor Blagojevich for signing the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act of 2006 and for his leadership in protecting Illinois children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning," said Osterman, who sponsored the bill in the House. "For too long Illinois has led the nation in the number of cases of lead poisoning. Today we take a big step towards the elimination of lead poisoning in Illinois children. Lead poisoning affects a child's health and ability to learn, we must continue to work towards the day when no Illinois child suffers from harmful effects of lead."

"These common-sense preventative measures will not only protect kids from the dangers of lead poisoning, they will raise awareness and provide for greater public accountability," said Ronen, sponsor in the Senate.

The Illinois Department of Public Health will provide sample posters and brochures online that establishments may download and use.

This bill takes effect immediately.

[News release from the governor's office]