National Policy

Rules and regulations have proven necessary to induce people to control lead and other hazards in the home. The passage of Title X ("Title Ten") of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 heralded a new era of involvement of the federal government in this area. Title X affects virtually every aspect of dealing with lead-based paint hazards in U.S. housing, prompting profound changes in efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning across the nation. It called for regulations in a number of key areas, most of which have been written and are in effect. In response to Title X and to an increased awareness of childhood lead poisoning, several states passed legislation seeking to reduce lead hazards in privately-owned housing. No similar law exists to authorize standards and policies for other housing-related health hazards, yet several legislative initiatives are underway.