Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

SB 5478

Brief Description:  Reducing childhood lead exposure.

Sponsors:  Senators Franklin, Winsley, Prentice, Shin, Costa, Eide, T. Sheldon, Fairley, Jacobsen, Thibaudeau, B. Sheldon, Regala, Kline, Kohl‑Welles, Spanel, McAuliffe, Fraser and Snyder.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The Department of Health is required to establish an education program to reduce childhood exposure to lead in residential settings.

$The department is directed to seek and use federal funds for the program.

Hearing Date:  2/25/02

Staff:  John Welsh (786‑7133).

Background:

There is concern that families in older housing are not aware of the dangers of lead poisoning, that they do not know how to detect and prevent existing lead hazards, or how to control lead dust while doing their own remodeling.

Summary of Bill:

There is an expression of legislative intent that public health hazards associated with environmental lead exposure represent a significant and preventable public health problem, and are especially harmful to children, fetuses, and adults of child-bearing age.  

The Department of Health is directed to establish an education program to reduce childhood exposure to lead in residential settings.  The priority is on older housing.  The department is directed to seek and use federal funds for the program.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.