The President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children has published the Progress Report on the Federal Lead Action Plan, providing a comprehensive update on the government's progress since 2018 in reducing childhood lead exposures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are spearheading efforts to combat lead exposure as co-leading members of the Task Force’s Lead Exposures Subcommittee.
"Protecting the health of vulnerable populations, especially children and families with limited resources, is paramount. Our Task Force's progress in implementing the Action Plan reflects the Biden-Harris administration's shared commitment to investing resources in lead safety programs," stated HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.
"EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe said, “We’ve made excellent progress toward protecting children from the risks of lead exposure, advancing President Biden’s commitment to environmental justice and protections for all communities.”
Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine added, “Children are our future. We must ensure that they have safe places to learn and grow."
The 2018 Federal Lead Action Plan was launched with a clear vision: to reduce childhood exposure to lead and its harmful effects. Since then, federal government has been working diligently to implement strategies outlined in the plan, collaborating with states, Tribes, local communities, businesses, and caregivers towards this shared goal.
The progress report outlines significant strides made toward reducing lead exposure and improving children’s health through landmark initiatives including reducing lead in drinking water, land, air, food, housing, consumer products; improving childhood lead poisoning testing; enhancing lead hazard communication; supporting critical research that informs efforts to reduce lead exposures and health risks.
The President’s Task Force serves as a focal point for federal government action towards improving children’s environmental health and safety. It engages multiple government departments, agencies, and other federal partners to coordinate efforts to address a range of environmental and social stressors that threaten children's health. These efforts have complemented the Biden-Harris Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, which outlined over 15 new commitments from more than 10 federal agencies to ensure a lead-free future. They also align with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, aiming for 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to flow to disadvantaged communities.