The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a change to its Lead Safe Housing Rule, lowering the elevated blood lead level (EBLL) threshold for children under six from 5 to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. This aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's current guidelines. HUD is requiring compliance with this new standard by July 16, 2025, for most areas, although jurisdictions that already meet these levels have until April 17, 2025. The change aims to better protect children from lead exposure by prompting environmental investigations and potential intervention in HUD-assisted housing.
Simple Explanation
HUD is making homes safer for kids by lowering the limit on how much lead can be in their blood. Now, kids under six should have less lead in their blood to stay healthy, and places that help pay for housing have to follow this new rule by the middle of 2025.