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Lead Label Agreement Announced
MIRS, May 12, 2003
Today, Michigan Attorney General Michael Cox announced an
agreement aimed at educating and warning consumers and families
about the risk of lead paint exposure during repainting and
other home renovation work.
The agreement was signed by Cox and the attorneys general of 45
other states and five jurisdictions.
Under the agreement, paint manufacturers would be required to
affix warning labels on paint cans and provide consumer
education and training, alerting consumers to the hazards of
lead paint exposure and how to avoid it. The agreement was
reached between the Attorneys general and the national Paint and
Coating Association (NPCA).
“By expanding education and warning efforts we can take a big
step toward reducing the public health risks associated with
lead paint,” Cox said. “This agreement will help arm the
weekend-warrior with the right information to ensure their home
improvement project is safe.”
Officials say that, although lead paint has not been
manufactured or sold since 1978, it still presents a serious
health risk to adults and especially young children who are
exposed to dust or occupy homes during renovations. A recent
Detroit Free Press investigation estimated that 22,000 Michigan
children had lead poisoning.
“If this agreement prevents even one child from being lead
poisoned in Michigan, it will have been worth the effort,” Cox
added.
The agreement requires both lead exposure warnings on the side
of the paint can, as part of the manufacturer's surface
preparation instructions, as well as an abbreviated warnings
either on the top of the can or on a separate “sticker” where
the warning is less likely to be obscured after the paint is
used.
NPCA has also agreed to fund and provide consumer education and
training courses on lead-free renovation and repainting to
homeowners, contractors, landlords and housing workers. Also
under the terms of the agreement, NPCA will develop discount
programs for safety equipment.
Lead poisoning stemming from inadequate surface preparation
prior to repainting affects children from all social and
economic backwards. It is imperative that families take the
proper precautions to avoid lead poisoning, whether they are
repainting a rented apartment or installing a brand new kitchen.
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