Groundbreaking Bill Prevents Lead Poisoning in Children
PHMC affiliate National Nursing Centers Consortium (NNCC) is pleased to announce the passage of legislation mandating lead testing for Washington, DC families at risk of lead poisoning. City Council's passage of this legislation makes Washington, DC a national leader in public health prevention on the issue of lead.
The legislation was passed on Tuesday, December 16 as a part of an effort by the Washington, DC Lead Elimination Task Force, headed by Harrison Newton, director of NNCC's Lead Safe DC program.
This groundbreaking bill will require landlords and property owners to test all rental properties for lead if an incoming tenant has a child under 6 or is pregnant. It is the first time the nation's capital has adopted such far-reaching public health policy and proactive environmental testing. "This law turns the page on that policy, giving at-risk families the chance to determine if their new home is safe before they move into it," says Newton.
