After 30 Years, EPA Sets Tougher Airborne Lead Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency has toughened its regulation governing maximum airborne lead levels, the first revision of the federal lead standard in 30 years. EPA's new final rule, signed Oct. 15, comes in response to a federal court ruling and mandates primary (public health) and secondary (public welfare) standards of 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter--a much more rigorous requirement than the 1978 standard of 1.5 micrograms/cu.meter.
EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said in an Oct. 16 telephone press conference that the stricter rule will "offer a shield to protect the health of our nation's children," who are viewed as most vulnerable to harmful effects of lead exposure.