EPA wants tougher lead rules
WASHINGTON (AP) - May 1, 2008 The federal lead health standard has not been changed in 30
years. The EPA on Thursday proposed requiring air concentrations of
lead to be nearly cut in half from what they are today.
Lead pollution declined substantially after the toxic material
was banned in gasoline. But there are still emissions from
industrial sources such as smelters. EPA Deputy Administrator
Marcus Peacock said he hoped to have a final rule by the end of the
year.
Lead causes neurological problems and learning disabilities,
especially in children, and has been linked to heart ailments.
